IS Pillowell an ugly sprawl or a unique country setting worth preserving?

A revised 'Pillowell Conservation area and Character Appraisal' report has recently won the backing in principle of West Dean parish councillors and now local people have three weeks from June 21 until July 9 to have their say and make their views known.

Forest of Dean district council's conservation officer, Mr Bill Cronin, told the Review the revised document took account of comments made in a previous report and also revised central government advice.

The report says Pillowell is the last of the ring of Forest settlements which still shows the sporadic and open pattern of growth which characterised local villages.

"The village, together with parts of Whitecroft and Yorkley which are included in the proposed boundary, clearly represent this special character that has been lost elsewhere.

"It is for this reason that the council recognised Pillowell's special historic and architectural importance and agreed that it should be considered for designation as a conservation area," it says.

Outlining the report and asking for comments and observations, Mr Cronin said the new document contained a summery of the special characteristics that made Pillowell and its surroundings worthy of special status and referred to aspects of the area worthy of special regard and treatment.

Copies of the document are available for inspection at all local libraries, including the nearest to Pillowell at Bream. West Dean parish councillors John Marchant, Richard Cecil, Derek Cox, Robert Freshwater, Ralph Anstice and Liz Mears have copies for inspection together with district councillors Sharon Freeman and June Pugh.

Copies have also been sent to the stewards to Whitecroft Methodist Chapel (Mrs Alice Whilmshurst), and Pillowell Methodist Chapel (Mr Don Wintle). The chairman of The Village Committee, Mr Alan Beddis, has also received copies.

Written comments and observations should be sent to the District Council Offices, Coleford.