FOREST of Dean MP, Mark Harper, has welcomed the decision made by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark MP, to refuse planning permission for up to 200 dwellings on land near Allaston Road in Lydney.

This decision followed a request by Mr Harper that the appeal for this application be recovered by the Secretary of State, as it went against Government policy by not following the local plan.

Mr Harper intervened in the matter after concerns were raised by a number of residents who lived close to the proposed site.

Following the news, Mr Harper said: “With regards to planning, I am clear that I support the Forest of Dean Local Plan which has been democratically adopted by the District Council. The Local Plan has already set aside a significant amount of land for housing development in Lydney, following extensive consultation in the area. Given that this particular application was not in one of the areas allocated for housing, and in fact lies outside of the settlement boundary of Lydney, it was quite rightly refused by councillors.

“I am pleased that I was able to assist in bringing the details of this particular application to the attention of the Secretary of State and that accordingly, he has supported the original decision made by councillors.

He added: “I am grateful to a number of residents who took the time to bring their concerns to my attention and I am sure they will be relieved at the outcome we have been able to achieve.”