FIVE Acres Not for Sale (FANS) is cautiously optimistic about the next phase in the Five Acres story.

It does look as if the college has finally made its mind up to vacate the Five Acres site.

With a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between West Dean Parish Council and the Forest of Dean District Council, we have the possibility of some green shoots beginning to emerge from what has been a very long period of dormancy.

This MoU marks a new start in terms of the trust that needs to continue to be built between the district council and the community.

The quid pro quo we will have to stomach in return for the site being vacated by the Homes and Community Agency is an agreement for an element of homes for local people.

This is certainly something FANS would consider accepting, provided there is full consultation with the public over how many houses, where they will be located and who the houses will be built for.

Local builders would be preferred.

Clearly the local vision of retaining and enhancing community facilities at Five Acres is still very much alive and kicking.

Any other development must be done in sympathy with that vision and

in accordance with

West Dean’s Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

There will be a chance for the public to see and comment on the NDP, including an element of housing on the Five Acres site, on Thursday, March 24 at The Hut, Berry Hill between 3pm and 6pm.

– FANS Committee, Berry Hill.