THE PUBLIC is to be asked for its views on ambitious plans to bring a derelict Lydney landmark back into use.

The man behind the proposals for the Pine End Works at Lydney Harbour, Richard Cook – who runs the Severn and Wye Smokery at Chaxhill – says public support for the project is crucial.

The proposals for the former aircraft factory include a purpose-designed smokery, an eel farm, a visitor centre, shops and restaurant.

If the plans do go ahead, they will help make the Severn’s wild salmon and glass eel fisheries more secure, said Mr Cook.

A public consultation event will be held on Monday, December 3 where members of the public can talk to the development team and give their views on the plans.

Mr Cook told the Review: “We are putting forward a proposal and an important part of it is to hear what the local

community thinks.

“We are not arrogantly going to push forward a proposal without having listened to the community.

“The support of the local community and the wider Forest community is essential for us.

“We are holding a public consultation event at Lydney Town Hall where the architect and a planning expert will be available.

“We are hoping for constructive suggestions.”

“The proposals are also about allowing Severn and Wye to continue to develop – it is an investment in our future and in our product.

“It will allow direct integration of both fisheries and Severn and Wye into the marketplace.

“We will have a retail and restaurant offer – at Chaxhill we are tight for space, Lydney gives us opportunities.”

Severn and Wye sources sustainably -reared eels from the EU – in many cases from farms that have been supplied by the UK’s Sustainable Eel Group-approved elver fishery based on the Severn.

The Pine End proposal would be “the final piece in the jigsaw” providing a British eel farm to supply processors and wholesalers both here and abroad.

It is hoped that the scheme can be put before Forest planners next Spring.

The proposal has taken four years to reach the stage where plans can be put before the public.

Mr Cook has spent the last 12 months talking to the Forest council and bodies such as Natural England.

Mr Cook said: “The Forest of Dean District Council has been very helpful with a lot of constructive advice – the open dialogue has made things clear for us.”

The proposal relates only to Pine End Works but Mr Cook is hopeful that it will act as a catalyst for the development of the harbour area, Lydney and the wider Forest.”

Earlier this year, HRH the Duke of Gloucester officially opened the latest phase of development at the smokery’s site on the A48 at Chaxhill.

The December 3 consultation event at Lydney Town Hall runs from 3pm until 8pm.