CRITICS of the proposed new Tesco store in Coleford have branded the Forest Council Planning Department 'a shambles' after they failed to send out notification of a public Inquiry this coming Thursday and Friday to people who had registered objections to the plans.

A spokeswoman for H.O.O.T (Hands Off Our Towns) told the Review: "A planning officer at FODDC was supposed to invite everyone to the Public Inquiry who registered an objection, but she didn't.

"This means we have a rediculously short time to let people know that the public inquiry is being heard this week. This is just a shambles."

Organisers of the anti-Tesco protests are hoping that their supporters will turn out in numbers to speak at the inquiry, which Tesco have launched in a bid to overcome objections to their opening. H.O.O.T claim that there are a number of issues still remaining which still place question marks over the project, which include the threat that the new store will pose on existing businesses in the town – particularly in the light of the struggles they have had with the imposition of parking charges.

They also cite the placement of the proposed store, adjacent to the main Lydney road, as being a problem too since it may present little scope for the correct placing of pedestrian crossings to enable people to get to the new store safely.

In an email that was rushed out on Monday evening in the hope of galvanising last minute support, H.O.O.T also highlighted other issues including concerns carbon footprint from the project.

The H.O.O.T release also included this plea: "The two days are given exclusively to hear the public's views and it is really important to show up – if only for an hour. Register your intention to speak at 9.45am."

However, in a statement issued by Pete Williams, group manager for Planning and Housing at the Forest of Dean District Council, he said: "Consultation on the appeal has been undertaken in accordance with the council's normal practice. We have been made aware that some people claim not to have been notified directly about the appeal and are currently looking into the matter.

"Anybody interested in the appeal can come along to the Council Chamber on Thursday (January 10) at 10am to observe the proceedings."

People who wish to speak have to register at 9.45

•As the Review went to press, a statement from The Planning Inspectorate arrived which reads: "We have been made aware that some people may not have been notified by the Local Planning Authority of the Inquiry. This has been drawn to the attention of the Inspector and he will deal with the matter on the day.

"In all Inquiries, those attending may speak at the Inspector's discretion."

The statement adds: "The Planning Inspectorate's procedural guidance indicates that 'any interested person who wishes to participate in the Inquiry and contribute to the discussion will be welcome to attend'."