AN appeal by developer Robert Hitchins against a decision by the Forest of Dean District Council to allow planning permission for 750 new homes in Lydney has been allowed by the Planning Inspector.

The homes, and infrastructure including a new school and open space, can now go ahead in spite of considerable local opposition to the controversial plan.

At an earlier hearing the council refused the application on the grounds that "The proposal fails to secure the necessary contributions for maintenance and management of on-site play areas, equipping of play areas, off-site adult/youth recreation, provision and improvement of community

facilities, additional resources and policing for Gloucestershire Constabulary, affordable housing, public transport measures, sustainable transport mea­sures, Lydney transport strategy, early years, primary and secondary education and libraries and libraries via a S106 Legal Agreement..."

In her ruling the inspector said matters had now been resolved between the main parties, including levels of affordable and social housing, subject to conditions discussed in reaching the resolutions.

Drainage matters which affected third parties had also been adequately addressed, she concludes.

Queries and complaints about the handling of the appeal can be submitted to the feedback web page at http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk">www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk where there is also information on the right of challenge to the High Court, which is the only method by which the decision can now be reconsidered.