THE controversial plans for a new community centre in Coleford have been unanimously voted through by the county's planning committee.

The new Coleford Enterprise Centre will include facilities for a new library, a day centre for people with a learning disability and a meeting place for young people as well as a kitchen, computer facilities, rooms for hire by the hour and office space for rent.

However the development will be built on the Old Station Way coach park and some local people say they are concerned about the lack of local consultation on the project.

An action group who spoke at the planning meeting said they were not against the new centre in principle, but think the building is inadequate for purpose and planned for the wrong site.

They believe the development is not large enough to provide the same standard of facilities for the elderly and young people.

Spokesman Ivor Ellis said: "We are very disappointed that more time has not been given for consultation with the people of Coleford concerning the forming of policy and planning.

"We are very disappointed at the undemocratic processes of the county councillors who passed this, as they are so removed from this area. They know little of the Forest of Dean, yet tell its people what they have to accept. Two major voices – the town council and the district council – have both been snubbed and given the two finger treatment."

The group are worried about the impact the loss of car and coach parking spaces could have on trade.

They say over 100 people wrote to them to protest against the development plans.

However Cllr Peter Chamberlain, chair of the Coleford Area Partnership and county councillor for Coleford welcomed the decision.

He said: "For once the Forest is first. Coleford is first, benefiting from a flagship building that is probably a national first.

"We are leading the way. We have a community enterprise centre that is fit for purpose, fit for the future, designed for inter-related activities and specialisation, with different service departments and people working together.

"This is our chance to make something great for future generations, as well as bring about the regeneration of our town."