I find this situation remarkable and yet I thought we lived in a democracy.

Not once but twice a planning application for 110 homes by Barrett's has been rejected by the Forest of Dean planning committee on the site next to Wyedean School in Sedbury.

If, under a democratic process, this application was voted on and rejected would someone please enlighten me as to how this can go back for yet a further appeal?

My understanding was if you voted on something and lost you were allowed to appeal against that decision but how many times does this have to be voted on?

Or is it the fact that Barrett's dislike the decision so they are permitted to appeal as many times as they like until the decision goes for them?

Having attended, as a spectator only, one of those planning meetings the head of planning at the Forest of Dean Council gave me the impression that he worked for Barrett's and not the council.

Surely these people are employed to represent the wishes of the people of the Forest of Dean and not large-scale development companies such as Barrett's?

Looking at many letters in the Review it seems pretty evident that Sedbury/Tutshill are not the only districts locked in disputes over planning with the Forest of Dean Council.

So why can't we just simply say no to any further development? Where is the proof that we need thousands of more houses?

Our schools are full, hospitals are overstretched, doctors' surgeries are at full capacity and our road infrastructure is falling apart.

This is to say nothing of the lack of leisure facilities for teenagers in the area.

Air pollution is at critical levels   on Hardwick Hill in Chepstow and my understanding is that the European Union has contacted the Welsh Assembly on such poor air quality in certain areas of Wales.

How does this affect us in Gloucestershire? The A48, already heavily congested, is the main arterial route in and out of the Forest of Dean and thousands of extra houses means thousands more vehicles travelling down the A48 which adds up to extra traffic jams and worsening air quality.

So come on the Forest of Dean District Council: stand up for the wishes of the people and say no to further planning on a large scale – well I can live in hope?

– SJ Sayer, Tutshill.