A REVISED Masterplan and Design Code document for Cinderford has been approved by the Forest of Dean District Council's cabinet and will now be followed by a final round of community consultation.

The updated documents are available for comment for the next six weeks through to March 4. The Masterplan will then be finalised and brought back to the council for adoption in April.

The main change within the Masterplan reflects the revised route for a new 1.5km single carriageway link road that will open up the Cinderford Northern Quarter site for new mixed-use investment. The road will provide a new access into Cinderford from the A4136 and will provide welcome relief from traffic congestion for Steam Mills Primary School users and local residents.

The new junction with the A4136 has been changed in response to concerns expressed by Natural England and the local bat group who were worried about the impact the new road may have on the bat colonies in this location. The new alignment moves the junction further west away from the existing Northern United access and away from the artificial bat roost in the woods.

The Council will use the Masterplan and Design Code to guide developers and investors as they prepare future planning applications.

Leader of the Council and cabinet member for Regeneration Councillor Patrick Molyneux said: "We will use the Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Design Code to engage investors and work together to secure the good quality, sustainable development we need in the Forest."

At the cabinet meeting Councillor Jane Horne said supporters of the scheme were not making their voices heard.

She said: "Most councillors want this but most people who want it are not jumping up and down and telling the public of the benefits it will bring Cinderford."

Councillor Di Martin said: "This will enable opportunities for young people in the Forest of Dean.

"We want jobs and our beautiful environment enhanced. This scheme does both."

The Masterplan and Design code can be viewed on the website http://www.fdean.gov.uk">www.fdean.gov.uk, in Cinderford Town Council offices and at all surrounding parish councils, Cinderford Library and in the council's main reception in Coleford. Comments can be emailed to [email protected]">[email protected] or written to Louise Scammell, Regeneration Officer, Forest of Dean District Council, Council Offices, High Street, Coleford, GL16 8HG.