A PETITION has been set-up calling for the Secretary of State to intervene and make the planning decision for Cinderford Northern Quarter by holding a public enquiry.

Since Dean Natural Alliance (DNA) set-up the petition on September 4, more than 1,400 have signed in favour.

Member Leigh Woods, of Steam Mills, said: "The (Forest) Council – who are a joint sponsor of the development – are simply too close to be in a position to be objective in the planning decision."

She said: "The petition hasn't been set-up because we don't want jobs or prosperity for the area, but because the old Northern United site is possibly the most inappropriate place for development for a whole host of reasons."

Secretary of the DNA, Derek Foster added: "A number of us feel there are serious issues the council aren't paying attention to."

The petition will be presented to the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles. It had been expected the application would be heard next Wednesday (September 24) at a special meeting of the council's planning committee.

But Mr Foster has been told by the council that no meeting is planned for September 24. The Forest of Dean Angling Club joined the DNA last week after six foot fences were erected on pathways around Steam Mills Lake.

Fisheries management officer, John Beddis, said: "The council and Homes and Communities Agency are clearing out the newts from inside the fence on the assumption that planning permission will go through.

"The club has invested a six-figure sum into stocking the lake with fish and maintaining the pathways and fishing pegs over the years. This is based on material alone and doesn't account for labour. We have been told by some of the members they won't join the club if the college is built as the tranquillity of the area will be lost."

A regular carp fisherman added: "I have fished Steam Mills Lake for over 10 years and the work is totally spoiling the area. The council needs to sort their priorities out and get the town centre 'right' to accommodate the growing population before developing on a beautiful wildlife area."