A KEY milestone for the controversial £100 million Cinderford Northern Quarter development could be passed this week.

The proposal will go before the Forest of Dean District Council's planning committee on Friday (November 14).

The Homes and Communities Agency has submitted plans for new roads, including a spine road connecting the A4136 and Broadmoor Road and a new Gloucestershire College campus.

Outline plans have also been submitted for a new hotel, employment and business space, up to 195 new homes and a heritage centre.

The committee will consider a 134-page report on the application and the recommendation from officers is that it should be approved.

The council says it has had 49 letters of objection, along with opposition from groups such as the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

There is anger among opponents that only one speaker will be allowed to speak against the proposal.

Keith Morgan of Dean Forest Voice said: "One speaker is to be allowed to speak against the motion from all the hundreds of groups and individuals who have opposed this application.

"It's a wonderful thing 'democracy'."

Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper has spoken out strongly in support of the plans.

He said: "The plans for the Northern Quarter regeneration project represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Forest of Dean to bring new jobs and opportunities to the district.

"Most people I speak to support the proposals because they want improved education and training for young people, brighter employment prospects for their families and a better Forest of Dean for everyone. I hope this opportunity is seized so that those hopes and ambitions can be met in the future."

Cinderford Town Council clerk Lynda Thomas added: "The town council supports proposals for Cinderford Northern Quarter because of the hugely positive impact they would have on the area.

Opponents of the scheme say that the regeneration should focus on Cinderford itself.

There is also huge concern about the impact on wildlife and the suitability of building on a former mining site.

The Dean Natural Alliance has called on Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to 'call in' the application and decide it.

Some 5,000 people have signed a petition calling for Mr Pickles to act.