I AM replying to a letter entitled "Unhelpful inquiry" which appeared in the last issue of the paper (March 20, 2009).

In response to this letter, addressed to myself and written by Margaret Walker, Lydney I deem it necessary to clarify the points contained therein. Some 1,260 houses are designated to be built on land off Lydney Bypass of which the 750, which are currently the subject of a Public Inquiry, are included in this total, the residue already having been given planning approval. If this figure of 1,260 is multiplied by four (the national average of persons per household) the answer is 5,040. Therefore, Mrs Walker, my comment stating that "the development would increase the population of Lydney by approximately, 5,000" is correct and contrary to your allegation so is my maths.

The figure does not include 47 houses already with planning consent to be built on Highfield Hill so the estimate of 5,000 is rather on the conservative side. I attended the Public Inquiry as a member of the general public, not as a councillor, Lydney Town Council having previously objected to the application prior to my election. Although notification of the Inquiry was publicised in one of the local newspapers, albeit not in a prominent position and people who had personally objected prior to the Inquiry were informed by letter, I have since been informed that many residents were unaware of its existence.

I appreciate that there are some who, due to their circumstances like yourself, will be unable to attend the resumed Inquiry at Lydney Town Hall but there are many others who will be in a position to attend should they so desire. I do not consider, Mrs Walker, that my "worries" are exaggerated, as you state in your letter, but believe my views to be realistic. As you obviously disagree, Mrs Walker, I trust that, through the columns of this newspaper, you will be in a position to express your personal, positive views, which have to date not been forthcoming, only criticism, as to what will be the outcome of Lydney should this development of 1,260 houses off the bypass proceed. – Gordon Blake, Lydney.