CINDERFORD man Geoff Davis is hopping mad after Forest of Dean District Council planners allowed community parking spaces bang up against the front door of his new-build home.

"It's appalling – they should never have allowed it. Apart from the inconvenience of not being able to use my front door, what if there's a fire?" said Mr Davis of 18 Rosedale Court.

"There are serious health and safety implications. The same applies to the empty property next door, number 19 – surely it can't be sold unless something is done?"

The area is being developed on the site of a former plastics factory and Mr Davis said things were fine until present work was started after he had bought his home.

He had been shocked to find planners had not only allowed parking spaces immediately in front of his house and the completed house next door, but had also designated them for general community use, meaning anyone could block access to both homes.

He has a letter from the county Fire and Rescue service emergency response team saying there are 'serious concerns' about emergency access.

However the planners did not appear to see any need for changes, and according to Mr Davis the developer also says he is not prepared to change anything.

The Forest of Dean District Council planning department told the Review it is looking into the matter.