THIS is a letter to members of businesses, churches, tenants associations, youth forums and primary care trusts who work or volunteer in the areas of Berry Hill, Christchurch or Edge End.

You may, or may not, be aware that West Dean Parish Council is embarking on the Neighbourhood Development Plan for the areas. This plan is a new statutory procedure which ultimately results in a legally-binding development plan for the area

following a local referendum.

As such it is a very important local event which has the potential to affect anyone associated with the area.

A steering committee (maximum 21 people) has been formed supported by the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council which consists of parish councillors, Coleford town councillors, community representatives (FANS), local schools and sports clubs.

It also includes the Homes and Communities Agency, a government agency, which currently owns the Five Acres site.

The first meeting took place on March 21. There are still places on the committee and it was identified that the areas of representation missing at present are those mentioned at the top of this letter.

If you, or a representative of your organisation, are able to attend the next meeting on April 29 at Berry Hill Rugby Club at 6.30pm you will not only be very welcome but also have the opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking process which will create a lasting legacy for your area.

Should the notice be too short for you to attend that meeting and you wish to find out about the following meeting, or you would like to find out more in general or you think we have missed out a group, contact Dave Kent, clerk to the parish on 564484 or [email protected]">[email protected].

– Tim Gwilliam, Chair, NDP steering committee