A SCHEME to build 110 homes near Wyedean School in Sedbury has been refused by Forest planners.

Cllr Gethyn Davies (Con, Tidenham) told the Forest of Dean Council's planning committee that the site was outside the village boundary and that so many houses on this site would add to traffic problem affecting the nearby A48.

Cllr Davies added: "I have a human right to breathe fresh air and a development of this size and the consequential amount of vehicles associated with home ownership will only add to the problem."

However the head of planning reminded members that the site had been included in the authority's allocation sites for future development over the next five years.

Cllr Davies pointed out that when the council discussed the allocation sites a year ago, the history of this site had not been explored and explained: "This site has already been taken to appeal and upheld in the High Court.

"And because of the amount of environmental issues, sewage and drainage problems it should not have been included as part of the allocation in the first place.

"Had this been properly researched, I am of the opinion we would not be discussing this application today."

Cllr Norman Stephens (Ind, Newnham and Westbury) asked officers: "If it's shown that members were not fully aware of the history of this site, could the public come back on this authority?"

He was told that was unlikely and the application was refused by seven votes to six, with one abstention.