IN his letter (May 2 edition) entitled 'Biased system,' Roger Horsefield attempts to convince us with an example of how he believes AONB status for the Forest will work to prevent large scale mineral extraction/extension.
Given that there is currently a more than substantial application submitted by Clearwell Quarries, and another said to be imminently in the pipeline for Drybrook – bearing in mind the Minister has already directed the Mineral Planning Authority to treat all applications in the Forest of Dean as if they were within an AONB – there is an excellent opportunity for Roger and his Friends of the Forest to demonstrate hands on, the effectiveness of his claims.
Presumably they are already addressing the Clearwell application? It will be interesting to see just how effective and successful they really can be, particularly with Drybrook! – Mike Jones, Redbrook-on-Wye.