FOREST crime novelist Andrew Taylor says he's not alone in thinking plans for a new Tesco store in Coleford will create enormous traffic prob­lems.

Once controversial Forest car parking charges are introduced at the end of July, shoppers will flock to the free Tesco car park, increasing the already heavy traffic on Lower Lords Hill and Old Station Way, he says.

Residents are already concerned about the extra traffic that will be caused by Tesco customers and delivery vehicles.

"We need an updated traffic survey to take into account the changed conditions," says Mr Taylor. "Otherwise we'll have our own 'highway to hell' in the middle of the town. Look at the traffic problems they have had with the Lydney store."

To make matters worse, HGV delivery vehicles would be using the same approach to the store as customers, which has obvious safety implications that urgently need to be reevaluated.

Councillors threw out the original Tesco application in October on design grounds, describing the proposed store as a 'missed opportunity', a 'shed' and 'a blot on the landscape'.

Now a revised application has just been submitted which Mr Taylor says is the same basic design as before with a few decorative trimmings. The artist's impressions minimise the enormous visual impact the store would have.

"This isn't a building for Coleford to be proud of – this is Shed Mark II," says Mr Taylor.

The application will be decided at the planning committee meeting on March 13, giving residents only a few days to inspect the new plans and make their views known.

The planning reference is P1075/11/FUL. The plans can be seen on line or at the Coleford offices of the District Council.