A FOREST of Dean District Plan Review proposal to develop over 120 acres of the statutory forest is to come under intense public scrutiny.

The pressure group, Dean Forest Voice, is to organise a series of public debates in September to discuss the proposals. They have funding assistance from The Countryside Agency and say the money has been granted to ensure both sides of the argument are aired to the widest possible audience.

DFV say they want to discuss the matter in principle at this stage, though they accept there is already widespread local alarm that the character and charm of the area is under threat from "theme park" planning.

Called 'The Great Forest Debate', a series of meetings will be held in Coleford, Cinderford and Yorkley culminating in a session to discuss all the views at Speech House. It is hoped to invite Government ministers to attend the final session.

During the debates two speakers will put forward views for and against and then the audience will be asked to contribute and cast their own vote.

Rich Daniels of DFV said the evenings would offer an opportunity for people to show how much they really cared about the future of the Forest.

"We all know there are strong views out there – this will be a chance to hear the options and make your own voice heard," he said.

The venues and dates for the meetings are still to be arranged.

They will be announced shortly while further information is available on the DFV website: wwwdeanforest voice. org