PLANS to develop the Northern Quarter around Cinderford have been described as "a bit like winning the lottery."

A planning application for a new £15 million campus for Gloucestershire College and an £8.9 million access "spine" road has been submitted by scheme sponsors the Home and Communities Agency (HCA) to the Forest of Dean District Council.

The agency has also submitted an outline planning application for a new hotel, employment and business space, a visitor centre linked to the area's heritage and up to 195 new homes, to be considered alongside its detailed proposals for a college and spine road.

Supporters of the scheme claim it has "overwhelming" backing in Cinderford with "dissenting voices" coming from outside.

Vice-chairman of the Cinderford Regeneration Board, Cllr Tim Holder, said: "It is a godsend to have this scheme from the HCA and partners. It is a bit like winning the lottery.

"There are dissenting voices from outside who complain but nobody from Cinderford.

"Cinderford wants this, needs this and I hope we get it."

David Warburton, of the HCA, 80 per cent of people who attended a public exhibition agreed with the proposals.

He said: "This is a significant milestone and there is overwhelming support. The Northern Quarter will bring significant benefits for Cinderford and the wider Forest of Dean."

The site will bring together homes, businesses and the college with the aim of reducing commuting. The HCA says the development involves "a great deal of work and investment" to care for the complex range of wildlife and habitats."

Mr Warburton said: "The care and attention to the natural world is matched by the regeneration board's commitment to other dimensions of sustainability.

"The learning, jobs and homes built in the Northern Quarter have to be sustainable so they provide education, employment, skills, amenities and opportunities that will last and benefit Cinderford and the rest of the Forest of Dean in the long term."

Work is expected to start on the college and sixth form centre in September. It will be built by Gloucester-based Barnwood Construction who will work with current students and offer apprenticeships during the development.

Gloucestershire College principal, Matthew Burgess, said the new college would offer a building similar to those in Gloucester and Cheltenham and the range of courses would be increased.

He added: "Our school leavers deserve the same amenities as students elsewhere.

"Investing in their future is an investment in the whole Forest of Dean."

The planning application is online on the Forest of Dean Council's website, http://www.fdean">www.fdean. gov.uk. The reference number is P0663/14/ OUT.

Comments can be made on the application until Monday, May 19.