IS Cllr Morgan deliberately dumbing down the impact of the proposed development for Cinderford's Northern Quarter, or does he genuinely not understand the significance of the plan he so enthusiastically supports?

Anyone who has visited the site will be in no doubt that his description of it, as some kind of moonscape, was a gross exaggeration, and he also understates the size of the complete development which is closer to 11 hectares than seven. Now, he also writes that the land immediately around Steam Mills Lake will not be affected by the development. (letters, Review w/e December 16).

Here is a photograph, taken from the council's own website. It shows an artist's impression of the completed development, with buildings on both sides of the lakes. The two large buildings approaching the shore of the lakes are the proposed new hotel and college. The major new road, to be constructed through the woodland in the foreground, is not shown, but will effectively encircle the lakes, isolating them in a small patch of woodland.

While Cllr Morgan may be technically correct to state that no development will take place immediately around the lake, does he seriously believe this beautiful and important part of the Statutory Forest will not be damaged by this development?

– Shauna Gwynne, Whitecroft.