PLANS to extend Coleford's conservation area to include up to 70 private houses look set to get a rough ride.

The scheme was explained to residents of Newland Street, Boxbush Road, Victoria Road and Bowens Hill at a meeting in Coleford on Friday evening.

But the council's refusal to allow a show of hands at the meeting or to organise a vote among residents, brought a cutting response from Mr Ian Standing.

"Without a vote it is notification and not consultation," said Mr Standing, who is urging local people to meet the September 6 response date.

Mr Standing said he understood the extension to the conservation area has yet to be considered by a council committee and had been proposed by an outside consultant as part of a "character appraisal."

He said many residents wanted to know what was the point and purpose of the proposal.

The scheme had been suggested in a report to the council had in March 2001.

"It has only now surfaced and we are being asked to respond in just four weeks to something that has been in the office for 18 months," he said.

"Many householders are worried by the proposals. It will not mean any grants being available but will simply involve more red tape – for instance if a resident wished to clip a tree in his garden he would have to give the council six weeks notice," said Mr Standing.