IT is with some great relief that the proposal to install 14,300 solar panels in the field to the north east of Vantage Point Business Park has been dismissed by the Forest of Dean District Council planning committee after a second meeting on February 11.

I would like to thank Cllr Jackie Fraser and Cllr lan Whitburn two of our ward members for the support that they gave the residents of Mitcheldean.

ln the minutes of the first meeting, held on January 21, Cllr Fraser stated that there were a lot of objectors and it was of no benefit to the village.

At the meeting held on February 11 Cllr Whitburn stated that this development would only benefit the business owner of Vantage Point and not local people.

Cllr Robinson who is also a ward member for Mitcheldean advised in the minutes of the meeting held on January 21 that he had listened to a lot of people regarding this application and that there were mixed views.

We held two public meetings in Mitcheldean Community Centre which were very well attended but neither were attended by Cllr Robinson.

I have no doubt about Cllr Robinson's integrity but considering at least two thirds of our village are covered by Lining Wood and the Carisbrook estate who would be affected by these 14,300 solar panels it would be interesting if he could advise the residents of our village where he carried out his census/survey.

Cllr Robinson we elected you to represent the residents of Mitchel­dean and it did not help matters when you supported the installation of parking meters in our village car park which was against the wishes of the electorate and it is disappointing to see the minimal amount of support that you gave us in our protest against the installation of these solar panels.

– John Tandy, Mitcheldean.