ALTHOUGH they are, in the words of Newent mayor Roger Beard, "not happy", the people of the town are: "basically resigned to the fact that the appeal over the siting of the traveller's site on Southend Lane was upheld and planning permission has been given."

The appeal was the third hearing on the matter, and the inspector has given permission for 13 'pitches' on the site, along with utility/dayroom buildings, propane gas tanks, hard standing for caravans, access road, landscaping, fencing and drainage.

In a statement the Forest of Dean District Council said: "The issues of landscape impact, residential amenity for local residents and any impact on listed buildings are matters of judgement and the planning inspector has come down in favour of the application scheme because of the mitigation included within it."

Cllr Brian Robinson, cabinet member for efficient council and planning policy at the council said: "We have received a very lengthy and detailed decision notice from the inspector and need to take the time now to absorb the arguements and analyse the decision before we consider our next actions.

"No costs have been awarded against the council which demonstrates that its actions have been reasonable, although ultimately the inspector did not agree with us."

Mr Beard also told the Review: "I have spoken in the last few days with residents in Southend Lane and on this matter they have told me that the time has come to move on. At some stage we all have to live together."