Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan

Consultation Statement

This Consultation Statement has been prepared to fulfil the legal obligations of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Section 15(1b) of Part 5. Section 15(2) of the Regulations sets out what a Consultation Statement should contain: (a) details of the persons and bodies who were consulted about the proposed neighbourhood development plan; (b) explanation of how they were consulted; (c) a summary of the main issues and concerns raised by the persons consulted; (d) a description of how these issues and concerns have been considered and, where relevant, addressed in the proposed neighbourhood development plan.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 1 Contents

The Start of the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) 3

The Draft Lydney NDP 4

The Lydney NDP Public Consultation Period 5

Publicity of the Lydney Draft Plan 6

Public Consultation Feedback 7

APPENDIX

1. Lydney NDP Questionnaire 9

2. Public Meeting - 11th January 2012 Town Meeting 10

3. Copy of Local Groups Public Consultation Letter 20

4. Lydney NDP website Home page 21

5. List of Consultees sent NDP 22

6. Public Consultation Feedback 28

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 2

The Start of the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan

Lydney Town Council instigated the idea of developing the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) in April 2012 and began discussing this with the District Council, the Local Planning Authority (LPA), in May 2012.

Local Group Representatives The Lydney NDP Community Steering Group was formed with members from the Town Council, representatives of local groups and interested individuals to progress the Lydney NDP. Representatives of local clubs were asked to join the NDP Community Steering Group in September 2012 and there was local group representatives from:  Oakdale Links  Lydney Area in Partnership  Ned’s Top Action Group  Lydney Ramblers

The group formally adopted a constitution and agreed the outline/area to be designated as the NDP area, and on the 8th of November 2012 the Council acknowledged Lydney’s NDP Community Steering Group (the Steering Group) as a correctly constituted body. The NDP area was designated on the 17 January 2013.

Lydney Questionnaire The Steering Group complied a questionnaire in July 2012 and distributed it in the latter half of 2012 seeking public feedback on a number of pertinent issues to the town (see Appendix One). The questionnaires were distributed to shops, community groups and individuals. The questionnaire was also included in the Lydney Town Council Summer newsletter which is inserted into The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review newspaper and was distributed to 4,009 Lydney households and businesses. A total of 171 questionnaires were returned and correlated, with the results providing an indication to the Steering Group of the important issues for people.

Public Meetings On the 11th of January 2013 the Steering Group held a public meeting to introduce NDPs, the changes to the planning system and the process of completing an NDP. The meeting, attended by Mark Harper, the local MP who introduced the NDP process, was well attended by members of the public. There was an extensive question and answer session at the meeting on the possible remit of the Lydney NDP and the extent of its power, as well as questions on more general issues which were contentious in the town. Details of this meeting can be seen in Appendix Two.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 3 The Draft Lydney NDP

Following the 11th January 2013 town meeting the NDP Steering Group grouped the main issues which were identified in the NDP questionnaires and raised in the town meeting into 8 headings: - Education - Transport - Health - Leisure and Sport - Town Centre Regeneration - Economic Growth - Environment - Harbour

Considering the wide range of issues that had been raised by the Lydney residents and due to the lack of knowledge about the scope of NDPs, the Steering Group decided to draft a working document of the issues to aide further discussions with the community, on the premise it is easier and more focussed to discuss something rather than have a blank piece of paper. The Steering Group began working on the draft in February 2013 and with the help of Lydney Town Council employed a part- time admin assistant to help with the process in March 2013. Funding was sought from Locality and awarded, allowing the group to create a website and publicise the Draft NDP. The Steering Group identified people to act as leads in each of the 8 issues from within the group and to assemble a working group of interested people and experts to report back to the Steering Group.

Over the next months feedback from the working groups and Steering Group developed the draft and in September 2013 the 'Draft Lydney Plan - Public Version' was produced (available on the Lydney NDP website www.lydneyndp.org.uk). The Lydney NDP website was launched on September 23rd 2013 and the Lydney NDP Facebook page was launched on 26th July 2013.

Launch of the Lydney Draft Plan The Draft Plan was publicised as a hard printed copy and an on-line version, both of which include requests for readers to comment on the Draft Plan. The on-line version published via the website (www.lydneyndp.org.uk) encouraged on the website 'Home' page "Come to one of the Town Meetings (see events section), read the website and/or contact us with your thoughts" (see copy of the website Home page in Appendix Four) and each page of the website included a button where people could access the Draft Plan and a comments section where people could load up their feedback and comments along with their e-mail address (the e-mail address was a mandatory feature included to stop spam). If people did not wish to upload their comments or include their e-mail address, the 'Contact' page of the website included the phone number and postal address where comments could be sent.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 4 The Lydney NDP Public Consultation Period

The Steering Group published the Draft Lydney Plan for consultation in accordance with The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulation 2011, Part 5, Regulation 14. Regulation 14a (iv) requires not less than 6 weeks consultation and Lydney’s lengthy public and statutory consultation period was held for 11 weeks from the 2nd of October 2013 until the 20th of December 2013 which enable more time for people to comment and to detailed consultations with particular groups on specific issues.

Printed copies of the Draft Lydney Plan were distributed prior to the start of the public consultation period on the 2nd of October 2013. Consultation packs were assembled, which included:  Lydney Draft Plan  a covering letter asking for feedback  the date by which comments needed to be returned,  the website address where further information could be found  the postal address and phone number were comments could be made  2 comments sheets where comments could be written  a stamped addressed envelope for the return of the comments sheet(s)

One hundred and forty one consultation packs were posted to: - 32 local groups and organisations - 14 local schools, nurseries, academy and children's centre - 5 nursing and care homes for the elderly - 4 health centres - 6 environmental groups - 2 village agents - 78 statutory consultees including the LPA, Forest of Dean District Council

A further 71 printed Draft Plans with comments sheets for feedback and a stamped addressed envelope, cover letter and poster showing details of the town meeting dates were hand delivered to local businesses and retail units by Admin Assistants and members of the Steering Group. Where possible/appropriate, a conversation was struck up about the Lydney NDP while dropping off the Draft Plan and the importance of public feedback and details of the up-coming public consultation events.

Multiple copies were also left at the local library, Town Council office, Town Hall and Naas Lane Community Centre.

The cover letter sent out to the Lydney Community groups was extended to provide detail of NDPs and details of the up-coming public consultation events, along with a poster advertising the town meetings, a copy of which can be found in Appendix Three.

Details those consulted are contained in Appendix Five.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 5 Publicity of the Lydney Draft Plan

As well as distribution of the printed copies of the Draft Lydney Plan, Lydney resident were contacted in a variety of ways during the consultation period, including:  The NDP website and Facebook page were created and launched prior to the consultation period  10,000 copies of Newsletter No.1 were sent to Lydney residents and businesses at the start of the consultation period (see Appendix Four)  Radio interview with Radio at the beginning of the consultation period highlighted NDPs and advertised Lydney’s Plan and community public consultation meeting dates  Newspaper adverts were placed in the two local papers for six weeks advertising the website, Facebook page and two town meetings dates  Two public meetings were held at the start of the consultation period, on the 2nd and 8th of October 2013  10,000 copies of Newsletter No.2 were sent to Lydney residents and businesses in the middle of the consultation period  Bi monthly Lydney Town Councillor surgeries were held outside of the town centre Co-op or Tesco stores at which further NDP questionnaires were issued, the Lydney Draft Plan was discussed and comments public were recorded.  Members of the Steering Group attended the local church summer fete event manned a stand with NDP display boards

Public Meetings Two public consultation meetings were held for Lydney residents and businesses at the start of the Public Consultation period to discuss the Draft Lydney Plan.

The first meeting was held in Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane at 7pm on Wednesday the 2nd of October 2013 and second in The Annexe Inn, in the centre of town on Tuesday the 8th of October 2013 at 7pm.

The meeting room's contained a number of presentation boards detailing the NDP process and some of the key issues contained in the Draft Lydney Plan. The meeting was planned as an informal drop-in information gathering session where people could look at the presentation boards. A number of printed Draft Plans were available at the meeting and it was also displayed on two laptops situated on tables within the room. During the meetings a rolling Power Point presentation providing information on the NDP process was shown on a large screen in the room. A number of tables were also arranged around the room which dealt with specific issues like the Docks, Public Rights of Way/Public Access and environmental issues with members of the Steering Group manned the presentation boards to help with any questions members of the public had. Apart from a short ‘Welcome Speech’ from the Steering Group Chair, Councillor Brian Pearman, the remainder of the meeting followed an informal question-led structure where members of the public asked questions of Steering Group members or initiated discussions on topics or issues that concerned them. Comments sheets where people could write their thoughts and feedback on were scattered through-out the meeting rooms, and all

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 6 comments from the sheets were added to the Public Consultation NDP Feedback record (see Appendix Six).

The meetings were advertised through the local newspapers, The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review and The Forester. Posters advertising the event were displayed at key points in the town and invites to the meeting and posters advertising the events where sent to local groups and organisations, schools and churches with a copy of the Draft Lydney Plan. Both the NDP website and Facebook page advertised the meeting dates and explained the rationale behind them. A newsletter (edition1) summarising Lydney’s Plan process and summarising the issues the draft plan contained, also advertised the public consultation meetings, which was sent to 10,000 residential and business addresses in the Lydney area (GL15 area).

Public Consultation Feedback

The public consultation period ended on the 20th of December 2013 and lasted 11 weeks. Initially Lydney’s public consultation period was planned for a seven week period from the 2nd of October to 22nd of November 2013, but this was extended a further 4 weeks to the 20th of December when people commented they did not feel they had enough time to contribute to the consultation process and/or they had only become aware of the Draft Plan late in the Consultation period. All the people who expressed this concern were informed of the public consultation extension where possible. Also it became apparent that specific issues regarding renewal energy policy in the Draft Plan provoked strong feelings and discussions and the consultation period was extended to enable a full discussion of these issues with both the NDP Steering Group and the Lydney Town Council.

During the Public consultation period 165 comments were received. All comments were added to the Public Consultation NDP Feedback record and can be found in Appendix Six and on the website www.lydneyndp.org.uk

Collation and Inclusion of Public Consultation Feedback During January 2014 the consultation comments were collated and three working group meetings during January and February 2014 were convened by the Steering Group to appraise to feedback and incorporate it into the Lydney Plan where appropriate. Appendix Six identifies the feedback and the actions associated with the comments ie. included in the NDP and any specific actions for example included in the Harbour section of the NDP.

The Draft Plan was amended accordingly and revised into the 'Lydney Plan - Examiners Version'. The Steering Group compared the Examiners Version to the Public Version to assess the extent of the changes to the document an whether the examiners version constituted a different document in light of the changes and required a second consultation period. It was concluded the Examiners Version did not constitute a new document but an evolution of the Public Version

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 7

Appendices

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 8 Appendix One

Lydney’s NDP Questionnaire

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 9 Appendix Two

Public Meeting - 11th January 2013

Publicity The public meeting was advertised through the local newspaper, The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review, also a press release providing more detail on Neighbourhood Development plans and the process was published in the newspaper.

Copy of the newspaper Advert in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review in the week commencing 7th January 2013

Example of the A4 poster advertising the event were displayed at key points in the town.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 10 Copy of Press Release used The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review in the week commencing 7th January 2013

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 11 Attendance Sheets from Town Meeting on 11th January 2013

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 12

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 13

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 14 Notes from Neighbourhood Development Plan Public Meeting held in Lydney Town Hall on Friday 11th January 2013 at 6.30 pm

Present: NDP Steering Group

Cllr B Pearman (BP) (Chairman), C Craske, W Owen, D Street, B Hobman (BH), R Deeks, Cllr W Osborne (WO), Cllr B Thomas, Cllr D Biddle, Cllr A Preest (AP), Cllr B Berryman

Mr Mark Harper, MP

Mrs J Smailes (JS) – CEO, Lydney Town Council, Miss C Wheeler – EO, Lydney Town Council (note taker)

44 Members of the Public

BP welcomed all to the meeting and was delighted to see so many members of the public present. All attendees were advised that copies of the presentation and notes would be available after the meeting and members of the public were encouraged to provide their details to Town Council staff to receive copies. BP gave a commitment to provide a response if any issues were raised at the meeting which could not be provided with an immediate response.

BP then proceeded to give an overview of a Neighbourhood Development Planning (NDP) process; the benefits it could bring to the town with regard to focusing development; the need to ensure that it conforms with Forest of Dean District Council’s Core Strategy; the part members of the public can play in developing the NDP, together with the fact that once it has been scrutinised by an Inspector (and been subjected to a referendum) it becomes a Statutory Planning Document.

MH reminded those present of how historically Planning Policy was addressed (i.e. Regional Bodies who issued edicts to Local Councils) and then gave an overview of how the situation had now changed as a result of the Localism Act introduced in November 2011 which now allowed the community a greater say in how their town and community developed. Whilst it was stressed that it was not compulsory for a Town to design an NDP, MH was pleased to note that Lydney was embracing the ethos of Localism and leading the way with the work the NDP Steering Group were addressing.

A question and answer session then took place, during which the following questions were received:

Mr Leppington – Is it feasible to development the existing car wash area in the centre of the Town into a marketplace? BP – Lydney Town Council and the NDP Steering Group had registered a joint “Right to Bid” for the area starting at the car wash and terminating at the Tuffins store. This features very high on the agenda for the NDP Steering Group. The area is thought to be key to the Town’s sustainability.

Mr Nelmes – Forest of Dean District Council have already granted approval for 2,000 houses, but the consent expires shortly. Would the NDP be able to influence this decision? MH – Forest of Dean District Council attempted to do their best to resist the housing development, but an edict had been issued by the Regional Body regarding the number of houses to be built in the area. Unfortunately the NDP cannot be made retrospective and therefore cannot prevent the houses

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 15 from being built for which outline planning consent has already been granted. Members of the public need to get involved in the early stages of planning development, if they have objections/concerns about specific proposals prior to planning consent being granted, this is where an NDP will become important.

WO felt that the developer concerned had been granted 5 years in which to commence development on the site and he highlighted that no activity had yet been carried out on site. Accordingly, WO stated that unless a start was made on site the developer would be required to renew their planning consent with Forest of Dean District Council.

Mr James – I am passionate about the Friends of Lydney Hospital (FOLH). FOLH tried to encourage the Local Health Authority to apply for S106 funding from the aforementioned development to fund improvements in healthcare infrastructure which will be required due to the increase in population from the development. I would like to see a map showing the area which the NDP will cover and would be obliged if it would cover the Parish to the limit of the “Welcome to Lydney” gateway signage. BP – We are able to provide you with a plan of the area covered by the NDP and can assure you that provision for health and education feature heavily in our document. The NDP designated area is available and shown in map form on the Forest of Dean District Council website and covers all of the Parish of Lydney.

Cllr Pearman – How does the S106 funding secured for education now stand, considering Whitecross School has now changed to ? MH – An Academy School is still funded by the taxpayer, so it is assumed that S106 funding will not be affected. (An explanation of how S106 funding was obtained was given, together with a statement that the Local Health Trust had not sought a contribution from S106 funding originally).

BH explained that S106 funding would be released in tranches and expressed a belief that the Local Health Authority may be able to apply for funding once the second tranche of S106 funding had been released.

District Cllr Terry Glastonbury explained that approximately £100,000 of S106 funding had been lost for highway schemes and affordable housing and briefly explained that in the future S106 funding would be replaced with a system which would be based on square footage – Community Infrastructure Levy.

Mr Midgley – The traffic in Bream Road is a real problem both in terms of speed of traffic and also in the vicinity of Lydney C of E School the sun blinds drivers. Concerns have been raised with both Gloucestershire Police and the Forest of Dean District Council. Are you able to provide an assurance that this is something which the NDP Steering Group are looking at? Gloucestershire Police have stated that no action would be taken until an accident occurred. AP – I have raised this question at a meeting of Forest of Dean District Council as I believe that the problem has been exacerbated by the introduction of car park charges. District Cllr Brian Robinson has been requested to come to the Town to view the problems which are being experienced and WO will endeavour to follow this up. I would also question where the S106 funding which had been secured from the Tesco development to improve the Bream Road junction has gone.

Responding, District Cllr Glastonbury informed members that 25 years ago he was forced to move out of his business premises in the area as it was not possible to extend the lease beyond three years and stated that no improvements would be made to the junction until funding from S106 agreements had been received.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 16

Mrs Walker – I note from the Planning Application for the Hitchins development that funding was made available for improving Bream Road junction. Who applies for said funding? WO – Agreed with the statements made about Bream Road junction and reminded all present of the work undertaken by Lydney Town Council to reduce the speed limit between Lydney and . Despite the best efforts of the Council the speed limit was only reduced following a fatality. A meeting has taken place with Gloucestershire Highways to discuss the Bream Road junction and it is felt that a further meeting needs to take place at an appropriate time to view the traffic problems.

Mrs Walker – No signs have yet to be erected to denote the 20 mph speed limit for the Town. WO – Lydney Town Council requested that the 20 mph zone be extended to include Lydney Hospital, however, the Council was informed that this would not be possible.

JS then proceeded to provide an explanation as to how S106 agreements were negotiated between developers and the Forest of Dean District Council and how such funding was then released (i.e. via agreed trigger points). JS stressed that the NDP would need to address such negotiations from a different point given that introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

DB advised that Gloucestershire County Council had bid for £1.5m to improve the Bream Road junction and the best estimate was that it would take 10 years before funding was received. District Cllr Glastonbury was asked to check and then advise further on this point.

Mrs Walker – I am concerned over the lack of adult education classes in the Town during the evening. Would it be possible to include such provision in the NDP? BP – I will ensure that the Steering Group discuss your comment at a future meeting. Education figures highly on our list of priorities.

Mrs Walker – Are you able to do anything about the number of seagulls which are appearing in the Town? BP – This matter will be added to the NDP agenda.

Mr Reeves – Are there any plans to improve the access road/lighting leading from the new Oakdale development into Town? The lack of lighting/poor road surface is of real concern to residents on the development.

Town Councillor James advised that she had attended a meeting with the developer and Gloucestershire County Council at which she had been informed that due to a funding issue no expenditure would be undertaken until the second phase of the development. AP advised that Mr P Williams, Group Manager – Planning and Housing, had confirmed that the issue was now being investigated by Planning Enforcement Officers and that a District Council Cabinet member had authorised Mr Williams to take action.

Mr Nelmes – We had been informed that the above route was to be restricted to a bus lane and pedestrian route and would include CCTV cameras. However, nothing has happened and the developer has stated that the issue has been sorted out with the District Council.

District Cllr Bevan advised that Gloucestershire Highways had agreed to erect signage to prevent lorries from attempting to access the route and he highlighted the problems experienced by lorries attempting to make deliveries to Federal Mogul who were directed to the rear site entrance by their sat navs.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 17 Ms Harmin – Regarding the “Right to Bid”, does the NDP have funding? What is its budget? BP – The NDP Steering Group have a small budget for the NDP. However, Forest of Dean District Council will bid for £25,000 funding from the Government to facilitate NDPs. It is also hoped that rather than funding the redesign of the area itself, the Council could work in partnership with landowners and could apply for grants to contribute towards the cost of the improvements. Discussion has also taken place over the possibility of a major supermarket assisting with the redesign of the area. Lydney needs to demonstrate that it has a vibrant Town Centre in order to attract employers to the area and make our community sustainable.

Mr Harmin – Agreed that the introduction of car park charging has had a detrimental effect as people simply aren’t coming into the Town. Mr Bennett – Voiced agreement that the introduction of car parking charges has not helped the Town, which he saw to be dying on its feet. Furthermore, a view was expressed that an out of Town supermarket would further add to the demise of the Town Centre and he felt that it may take a large degree of work to get the Town back.

Mr Leppington – When will we be able to have constructive information? I would like to see increased employment provision and industrial units. How can I get involved? BP – The NDP Steering Group is operated as a democracy and all members of the public are welcome to attend. Interested parties may attend on an ad hoc basis, or may wish to join the Steering Group. A number of good points were raised tonight and the NDP Steering Group now need to put the detail into the plan. From discussions with Mr Peter Hibberd, Strategic Director, Forest of Dean District Council, we believe that the Town needs an Investment Forum to attract employers to the area. We also believe that via the Forum it may be possible to gain improvements in healthcare and education provision. However, we feel that the improvement of the Town Centre to be a key factor and we will be looking towards local businessmen to assist in this process.

Mrs Walker – Please do not focus solely on Newerne Street as other area need investment too. Could you also include improvements to the River Lyd? The road surface through the Town is disgusting and no action has been taken, despite reporting the problem. JS – Please lobby your County Councillor, David Cooksley. Please also report potholes direct via the Gloucestershire County Council weblink. Mrs Walker – I have, but have not received a response. MH – Please contact my office if you have difficulties in obtaining a response.

AP thanked MH for attending the meeting and he emphasised the need to embrace Localism. AP also advised that the Town Council were shortly to consider a policy on renewable energy. Noting that the Conservative manifesto promised a referendum on issues which were important to people, AP questioned what progress had been made on this matter. MH – We want to make sure that the process works and Forest of Dean District Council have been encouraged to engage with the process. I will provide a written response to the Town Council regarding the referendum status.

Mr James – The Welsh Development Agency are encouraging businesses to relocate to Wales through the provision of grants. I feel that should adopt a similar system and we are so close to the Welsh boarder companies are given every incentive to relocate to Wales. Funding was given to as a result of the Coalfield Regeneration Scheme, however, no funding was given to Lydney despite the fact that coal exited the Forest via Lydney. I welcome development which provides job opportunities to young people.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 18 Ms Jones – Is the Town going to be pedestrianized and will there be a cycle route between Lydney and Parkend? BP – We are not sure on any plans to pedestrianize the Town, however, the NDP Steering Group received a presentation from Mr Dave Lucas on plans to create a cycle route from Primrose Hill to Parkend. Mr Lucas hoped to be able to utilise the Olympic legacy.

Ms Jones – Norchard do not want a cycle route close to the railway track, so would land need to be compulsory purchased? BP – I will get back to you on this point, however, as in all areas what helps immensely is for all the community to want to improve services, therefore, the NDP fully intends to involve all local organisations so they are familiar with our aims/objectives.

Mr Turner – A safe crossing point is needed for the railway line. An accident is waiting to happen as last week 6-8 young people ran across the line. Please do something.

Mr Midgley – A lot of funding is given to Monmouthshire to promote tourism however, Lydney does not receive anything. The One Stop Shop, which provided a wealth of information, has been closed by the District Council. Will the NDP Steering Group focus on tourism too? BP – Yes, it is part of the brief, by improving the Town’s image we automatically increase footfall.

Q (No name given) – Would it be possible to improve signage in the Town? Visitors would not know of the lake/Lydney Docks/etc.

Ms Kate Wyatt, Community Engagement Officer, Forest of Dean District Council advised that the question of signage had arisen at a number of meetings which she had attended, in addition to cycling routes. It was felt that funding for new signage may be available if the Town became a “Walkers are Welcome” venue and Ms Wyatt stressed that the Town Council were committed to improving signage.

It was noted that the Town Council were already addressing/improving the Town’s gateways with new signage ordered and the approaches recently planted.

Q (No name given) – Can you please explain the difference between Lydney Area Action Plan, a Neighbourhood Development Plan and Turning the Tide. Why has no action taken place? BP – The Localism Act now provides an opportunity for members of the public to influence change. Whilst the NDP will be aspirational, we will be able to justify turning the vision into reality. “Turning the Tide” contained a lot of useful information on which we can build, however, it did not go to the next stage which we now aim to address with your help, assistance and support. MH – Once the NDP has been subjected to a referendum it becomes a Statutory Planning Document (i.e. it has legal power) which will be used to shape Lydney’s future.

Meeting closed at 8.03 pm.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 19 Appendix Three

Lydney NDP Publicity

Example of the cover letter sent to local groups with a copy of the Lydney Draft Plan, two comments sheets and a stamp addressed envelope for their replies.

Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan, C/O Council Chambers, Claremont House, High Street, Lydney, GL15 5DX 11th September 2013

Dear Parish Council,

Lydney is developing a community-led Neighbourhood Development Plan which will focus on local planning and how the Town is to develop in the next twenty years (2014-2034).

Neighbourhood Development Plan’s (NDP) introduced under The Localism Act 2011 provide the opportunity for communities to become involved in shaping the future of their community. The document, once it has been independently examined and passed a public referendum, then becomes a statutory planning document in its own right. Localism encompasses communities working with local authorities, developers and other stakeholders ensuring economical social well being and sustainability.

In January 2013 a Town meeting was held in Lydney Town Hall highlighting the issues affecting Lydney, from which the NDP Community Steering Group has developed a Draft Plan. The Draft Plan is now readily available and forms part of the public consultation and we would like to invite you to attend one of the meetings in order that you may continue to have a valid input on how it affects your group and Lydney as a whole.

The meetings will be held on: Wednesday 2nd October 2013 at 7pm in Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney & Tuesday 8th October 2013 at 7pm in The Annex Inn, 47-49 Newerne St, Lydney

The Draft Plan can also be viewed on the website www.lydneyndp.org.uk or via lydneyplan on Facebook and hard copies are available from Lydney Town Council. All comments on the draft to be received before 22nd November 2013.

We look forward to meeting you soon,

Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan Community Steering Group

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 20 Appendix Four

A scan of the Lydney NDP website home page

Google Analytics report showing the website views during the Public Consultation period

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 21 Appendix Five

List of Consultees

A-Z List of Recipients of the Draft Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan Absolute Hairdressers Age Concern Charity Shop Age UK Charity Shop All About Eve All Saints Parish Church Alvington Parish Council Armstrong & North Opticians Parish Council Aylburton CofE Aylburton Parish Council Bah Hambug Big Red Barn Blaisdon Parish Council Blakeney Primary School Body Blitz Bohemia Salon & Spa Bream CofE Brian Watkins - Gloucestershire Highways, British Waterways: South Wales and Severn Waterways, Canal & River Trust, Bromsberrow Parish Council Buhara Cafe & Take Away Campaign for Rural England Cats Eye Carving, Taurus Crafts Cats Protection CharityShop Parish Council Cinderford Town Council Civil Aviation Authority Cof E Cllr A Preest Cllr J Bevan Cllr J Davis Cllr M Winship Cllr T Glastonbury Cllr V Hobman Cllr W Osborne Club Ginger Helath & Fitness Club

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 22 A-Z List of Recipients (Page 2) Coal Authority Coinros Garden Centre, Taurus Crafts Coleford Town Council Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment: Peter Karpinski Corse Parish Council County Archaeological Officers County Meats Butchers Crown Estate Commissioners David Kear Optician Dean Academy Department for Culture Media and Sport Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department for Transport Department of Energy and Climate Change DK Furnishings Dr Hamilton & Partners Severnbank Surgery Dr Martin Gibbs & Partners Drainage Board Drs Andrews, Edwards, Hayes & Cleary Drybrook Parish Council Dymock Parish Council English Bicknor Parish Council English Heritage Environment Agency Essential Hair Salon Forest of Dean Allotment Association Forest of Dean District Council Forest of Dean Local Action Group Ltd Forest of Dean Sea Cadets Forest of Dean Transition Forest Woodburner Forestry Commission Friends of Bathurst pool Friends of Lydney Hospital Friends of the Earth Forest of Dean Garden History Society Gilpin's Marshalls Autoparts Gloucestershire County Council Gloucestershire County Council Highways: Shire

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 23 A-Z List of Recipients (Page 3) Gloucestershire Rural Community Council Gorsley & Kilcot Parish Council Greater London Authority Greenman Leather, Taurus Crafts Hairways Hairdressers Hands Off Our Forest Harbour Cafe Harbour Cafe, Harbour Industrial Estate Hartbury Parish Council Health & Safety Executive Health Authorities and Agencies and Brockwier Parish Council Highways Agency Hot Stuff Housing Associaton & Trusts HSBC Huntley Parish Council Indigo, Taurus Crafts Kaplans Cafe Kear & Ku, Taurus Crafts Kempley Parish Council Kit & Cabbodle KJT Resdiential Estate Agents Library Littledean Parish Council Littledean Parish Council Lloyds Bank Lloyds Pharmacy Local Authority Environmental Health Officers Longhope Parish Council Lydbrook Parish Council Lydney & District Dramatic Society Lydney Angling Club Lydney Area in Partnrship Lydney Baptist Church Lydney Bowling Club Lydney Christian Fellowship Lydney CofE Primary School Lydney Community Centre Lydney Community Fire and Rescue Station Lydney Cricket Club

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 24 A-Z List of Recipients (Page 4) Lydney Festival Lydney Football Club Lydney Forest Leisure Lydney French Twinning Association Estates FAO Lord Bledisloe Lydney Park Estates FAO Mr Frankton Lydney Police Station Lydney Police Station Lydney Practice Lydney Rugby Football Club Lydney Tennis Club Lydney Town Hall Trust Management Committee Lydney War Memorial Trust Lydney Women's Institute Lydney Yacht Club Lydney Youth Council Martins Methodist Church Lydney Ministry of Defence Parish Council Mitcheldean Parish Council Motor World MP Mark Harper National Air Control Transport Services and Operators of Officially Safeguarded Civil Aerodromes Natural England Natwest Neds Top Resident's Action Group Network Rail Parish Council Newent Town Council Newland Parish Council Newnham Parish Council Newnham Parish Council Nutkin Nursery Oakdale Links Oxenhall Parish Council Parkend Primary School Pauntley Parish Council Picture Cards, Taurus Crafts Pilkingtons Estate Agents

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 25 A-Z List of Recipients (Page 5) Community Primary School Pillowell Methodist Church Police Architectural Liaison Officers and Crime Prevention Design Advisers Polish Nail Salon Pop In Cafe Poppies Flower Shop Pottery, Taurus Crafts Primrose Hill CofE Raymond's Stores Razor Hairdressers Redmarley Parish Council River Childrens Centre Rodley House Royal British legion Ruardean Parish Council Ruardean Parish Council Rudford & Soudley Parish Council Santander/Bidmead Estate Agents Sevenbanks Primary Banks Severn River Crossing Plc Spectrum Licensing Sport England Cof E St Briavels Parish Council St Pauls Church St. James Church (Bream) St. Mary the Virgin & Holy Trinity Church of England Staunton (Coleford) Parish Council Staunton (Corse) Parish Council Taurus Carfts Cafe Taurus crafts coffee shop Taurus Crafts Gift Shop Taurus Crafts office Taylor Jewllers Tayton Parish Council The Annexe Inn The Briars Care Home The Byre Care Home The Card Box The Coffee House

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 26 A-Z List of Recipients (Page 6) The Coffee Shop, Bathurst Park The Coventry The Dressing Rooms The Factory Shop The Forest Foodbank The Forest Voice The Lydney Cluster Welcome Project The Real Deal The Theatres Trust The Vibe Youth Cafe The Victoria Centre The Wye Valley Practice Thompson & Thompson Garage, Highfield Road Tibberton Parish Council Parish Council Top to Toes Tucker Sandwich Bar Tuckers Cafe Two Rivers Housing (The Springs & Watermead) United Benefice Of Parkend & Viney Hill Upleadon Parish Council Veranda, Taurus Crafts Village Agent - Lydney (Mike Morgan) Village Agent - Lydney (Richard Skinner) Wales and West Utilities Waste Disposal Authorities Water and Sewerage Undertakers Welsh Water West Dean Parish Council Westbury on Severn Parish Council Western Power Distribution William Hill Betting Shop Willowdean Card Shop & Alvington & Aylburton Church Woolaston Parish Council Worx Hairdressers Primary School Zelish Hair Salon Zizzo/Imagetec

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 27 Appendix Six Public Consultation Feedback Date Name Comments NDP Outcome Specific Action

27.9.13 Comments Why build industrial units on other side of by-pass when we cant fill what we Acknowledged received have now! from Councillor Surgery 27.9.13 Retail offering improvement. General improvement to be more welcoming for Included in NDP Lydney Town Centre visitors.

30.9.13 Better selection of shops needed. Included in NDP Lydney Town Centre

30.9.13 Traffic through the High Street. Included in NDP Highway and Pedestrian Infrastructure 30.9.13 Access to Railway Platforms. Not specifically included in Network mentioned in Rail Master Plan NDP referenced in NDP 01.10.13 Bus service is useless, needs improving. Included in NDP Highway and Pedestrian Infrastructure 01.10.13 Leisure centre - loosing squash courts?

01.10.13 Drainage on Rec Trust ground Not specifically but included within mentioned in Water Management NDP policy 01.10.13 Allaston Development disruption during building and traffic thereafter Included in NDP Highway and Pedestrian Infrastructure 01.10.13 Bream Road pollution worse now they've shut carpark and traffic terrible Included in NDP Highway and Pedestrian Infrastructure

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 28 01.10.13 Comment Upper road Pillowell - very large potholes and lots of them , 70yrs ago last Outside remit of Reffered to Town received tarmacked properly NDP Council to follow-up? from Councillor Surgery 01.10.13 Culvert Augustus Way needs clearing Acknowledged Water Management Policy 01.10.13 Street lights on path Highfield to Centurion Way Outside remit of Reffered to Town NDP Council to follow-up? 01.10.13 Carparking - 1st hour free? Included in NDP Lydney Town Centre 01.10.13 Leisure - sport - Medium/Long term plan for District 01.10.13 Tesco and Bream Road junctions need improving Included in NDP Highway and Pedestrian Infrastructure 01.10.13 Land behind Age Concern shop - Whats happening to it? Outside remit of NDP 01.10.13 Hales corner - overgrowth covering pavement Outside remit of NDP 01.10.13 Alice Knit No to pedestrinising Lydney - a retrograde step. Remove car parking tickets - Included in NDP Various free car parking enables people to shop for longer periods - it brings people/tourists. Reduce shop rates, this will induce new outlets. Encourage small retailers. We do not need any more supermarkets. Create one bedroom housing complex. Increase Lydney hospital facilities. 30.09.13 Dan Cook It seems like there has been a lot of good work done already, and well done to Included in NDP Points 1, 4 included. all concerned. As a resident of ‘Greater Lydney’ (i.e. Pillowell) I can offer a Points 2, 3, 5 limited perspective of someone who uses Lydney as a hub town, but is often frustrated inclusion in that ambition: 1) Getting to Lydney by bike is near impossible. I commuted down Forest Road for 6 months, and stopped essentially because of the fear of my imminent death on the roads. I see about 6 cyclists every day out of the car window now. Cycling is a big tourism draw, and Lydney has the only mainline railway station in the Forest. Get a level route through the Newerne St/Forest Rd route to Parkend to connect with the tourist cycling infrastructure – this will bring more money into the area than it costs. It has to be a level route if you want to appeal to mainstream and leisure cyclists – the Brockhollands route

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 29 won’t work. I am sure the could use the extra tourist dollars, too, and might be persuaded to allow their site to be used, if it enhanced the visitor experience and numbers. 2) It is a great ambition to bring new employment (and especially hi-tech support industry) to the area. However, hi- tech firms need an educated workforce to be viable, and there is nothing in the plan as yet about higher, further, or even secondary education. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be looking to create the education base that we need to keep skilled people in the area. Maybe we should have a strategy of building advanced education around some of the existing strengths in the area. We could also look to organisations like the Workers Educational Association to provide adult ed. in the area. A jobs strategy means having a bigger and better education strategy. 3) Pedestrianising the town centre is a no-brainer. Its people that spend money, not cars, so we need to give people a pleasant experience. Plus, pedestrianising the town will improve air quality, and a nice street scene will encourage businesses. We also need to ditch the parking charges. I was over in Wotton Under Edge the other day: 3 free car parks to choose from and a thriving high street. It is blindingly obvious that in small rural towns, free parking leads to increased pedestrian footfall and higher spending in shops. What they’ve got, we can have too. 4) One big improvement that could be had for the buses is a service to . It’s the regional big city, and we are the nearest Forest Town – we should have a direct service there to allow people to commute. If it was easier to get to work in Bristol, more Foresters would, and the extra income in the area would benefit us all. 5) We ought to have a vision for local business development: start-up grants and free advice for new businesses that aim to improve the area. We could look to co-operative and social enterprise models to help keep jobs and money local, and give better value for money than businesses that send their profits out of the area. 27.09.13 Gary Wildin There does not appear to be clear definition of the areas of ¨green spaces of Included in NDP Environment community value¨. Plans defining the specific areas rather than vague desciption would be prefered. 30.10.13 Dave Walker There needs to be toilets located inthe harbour area. Many people who get off Included in NDP Harbour the steam train at lydney station, walk to the docks, and I have on many accasions been asked if there are toilets. These could be incorporated in a cafe/restaurant which is also desperately needed

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 30 02.10.13 David The maps in the plan need to be clearer/larger Acknowledged Adapted/improved Greaves maps

02.10.13 David Phoned to complain that the newsletter was sent too late to attend the public Acknowledged Extented Holmes meetings (meetings on 2nd and 8th of October) Consultation period

02.10.13 Mr Payne Phoned to comment that the NDP Newsletter does not provide details of where Acknowledged Provided info to send letters to NDP Steer Group. Also wished to make sure that NDP Steer Group Members would be available for private meetings.

02.10.13 Mrs Anne Phoned and made comment that only received newsletter today (02.10.13) and Acknowledged Extented Knight with the meeting tonight felt that it was sent too late. Also Public meetings have Consultation period not been thought out as not considered how people will get there, transport issues, etc. Also requested a draft copy of the NDP booklet as cannot access internet.

03.10.13 Mr Westlake Requested 2 x copies of the draft NDP booklet as cannot access internet. Acknowledged Sent

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 31 3.10.13 Sue Hillier I have just returned from attending the first consultation meeting at Naas Lane Acknowledged Adapted following Community Centre and would like to give some feedback about the meeting. meeting to include The notice about the meeting said 7pm so there was a good turnout of people feedback who all arrived at 7pm. The meeting was not a meeting but a few display boards with comments on, so everyone was shuffling around trying to read these boards all at the same time. If this is the format you want why not say the exhibition would be on between 7pm-9pm then people would come at staggered time and would be able to access the information easily. If you leave the format as it is with everyone arriving at the same time, it would be beneficial if someone gave a short presentation about the aims of the project, how it is being funded, how much funds are likely to be available, and some of the options. Twenty minutes would have set the background and got the audience enthused to participate. We were advised to speak to a member of the steering group but I (and several people I spoke to), didn't know who was members of the group and who was the public. No-one had name badges on and there was no way of knowing who was who. People are very interested to know what is going on and by the turnout it looked like people wanted to engage but you are going to lose input and ideas if the format isn't conducive.

10.10.13 K Stephens Nothing specific about improving the A48. Where are the people n the 1900 Included in NDP Highway and houses expected to work?!? The A48 will become one long traffic jam from Pedestrian to unless something is done. This is effectively a small Infrastructure country road going into the City of Gloucester. Likewise, the statement about improving rail services is too vague. How many extra trains and when will this happen. We need these now rather than 13 years time.

14.10.13 Mr & Mrs Post - Well laid out and explanatory document but found maps small and hard to Acknowledged Adapted/improved Barber read maps

2.10.13 Robin Good afternoon , as a regular visitor to Lydney over a period of 15 years and Acknowledged Town Centre Hooper having carried out some retail consultancy around 6/7 years ago in the forest of dean I would like to offer some constructive comments re the Town centre, Before doing so my background one was one of Retail consultancy to the

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 32 Independent Retail sector and in addition I managed 2 Retail groups of over 100 outlets throughout the UK. last year I put together a 20 page report on the retail sector , this was sent to the minister in charge at the time for retail and copies to the so called retail Guru Mary Portas. needless to say her report was a waste of time although she did well from the television channel. should you wish ,I would be prepared to offer my suggestions in full to help the future of the forest towns at no cost,as i have now retired . WHAT Does concern me greatly , local authorities still continue to appoint town centre managers and re generation managers who have little or no experience on how to turn around retail . Next talk of pedestrianization , in smaller towns this is one of the quickest ways to put off locals, as well CAR PARK CHARGES, I have noted that since the introduction of charges the car parks are in the main very reduced in the number of spaces taken ??? what ever you decide to act on , the retail sector needs urgent re education to, hold onto its current customer base, if it does not then shops will continue to close. failure by local authority to take a positive course of action now , you won,t need to look ahead because there will be little retail left. I do not intend to go into detail in this e mail ,but offer you the opportunity to have a discussion with me to help the Retail sector , it will not be easy as the retailers will have to go through some re educating , act or LOOSE ! From the public's perspective, may i say sometimes they cannot see the wood for the trees, creative people have a vision , I have seen many towns go down the same old routes only to end up in failure and much money spent. Because the nature of retailing has changed and will continue to do so ,any course of action must be very soon . You must be aware that most retailers will rely on very good Christmas trade to carry them through the first 4/5 months of the following year. one last point , do not be fooled by supermarkets promising extra jobs , many are part time and they are rapidly encroaching on all aspects of taking trade from other retailers to such an extent that many trades cannot survive, express store are mini supermarkets , do not be fooled

I hope my comments may help you with any plans being considered

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 33 21.10.13 Monica More restrictions on high street shop signs, more taste and style needed. Also Included in NDP Jones shops contents (if untidy) spilling onto the pavement lowering the tone for other traders. Cycle route/track from docks to . Also if affordable, I would love to open a cafe at the docks selling delicious wholesome local foods. we are experienced in this area and could do great things with the coffin house 21.10.13 Kevin Jones 1) Start thinking sustainable development. Less house building by the larger Included in NDP Included Points 1, 3, national building company - more self build and environmental low impact. 2) 5, 6. Limited No more supermarkets or large retail chain stores, more small independent Inclusions Points 2, 4, shops to be encouraged. 3) Reduce tacky shop signage and replace with classy 5. Not included point subtle color coded signage. 4) More investment in our youth especially activity 7. clubs the arts and drama. 5) Protection from more development around the harbour and our woodlands. 6) Big clean up of the Lyd, canal and boating lake. 7) And most imprtnant of all council led resistance against the building of new nuclear opp lydney at oldbury a threat to all for ever. To really see a advanced vision of how our communities will have to be structured and designed in the future. take a look at the yorkley court website HTTP:/YORKLEYCOURT.WORDPRESS.COM 14.10.13 Mr G D Ldyney NDP Draft: Following my detailed review of the Draft NDP and my Included in NDP Included Points 1, 2, Greaves meeting with two of your representatives last Thursday (10.10.13) I have 3. Not included point pleasure in setting out in writing, as you requested, my comments on four 4. issues, three general and one personal, in the NDP. These issues are: - Maps, - Building Materials, - SUDS and - Dogs. The maps/plans on pages 8,16,23,43 and 46 are almost totally illegible, even when I use a magnifying glass. In many cases this makes it difficult for me to fully understand the text in which they relate. May I suggest that, on the assumption that the final NDP will be A4, the maps should be inserted after the relevant text on A3 sheets, with the map on the right hand half, so that they can be folded out and thus open to view while the text is being read. On page 37 there is reference to materials within conservation areas using older materials in order to be keeping with surrounding buildings, this is quite reasonable. On page 31 however it is stated that 'new residential developments (should) have either brick or rendered elevations under tiled roofs'. This policy needs to be reviewed for a number of reasons: 1)- it precludes the use of modern designs now available or likely to become available over the next 20 years, it would preclude for instance timber framed buildings with off- site manufactured panel coverings, 2)- Bricks and tiles are labour-intensive and produced by baking clay at high temperatures - far from a green process - and

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 34 are not, of themselves, waterproof, necessitating additional measures to prevent ingress of water, 3)- Rendering is a comparatively short-life solution and is frequently subject to flaking and cracking within 10-15 years., 4)- The policy, if rigidly imposed, would not permit the use of either solar roof panels or green living roof coverings. On page 38, reference is made to 'reed beds and other wetland habitats that collect, store and filter dirty water along with providing a habitat for wildlife'. There are few sites on which such comparatively large scale solutions are possible. Would it not be reasonable to include much simpler solutions such as: 1)- The collection and storage of rainwater within individual properties to provide cold water supplies within the houses and watering of gardens (via tubs) and 2)- The use of gravel or other permicable surfaces for drives and car-parking areas rather than tarmac, concrete or brick? I live in Aylburton and visit Lydney town centre three or four times a week, I also walk my dog (for my own and my dogs health) two or three miles every day. I would like to be able to combine these activities but cannot do so because there is nowhere to tie up my dog while I go into the shops. The provision of 'Dog hooks' outside shops would be cheap and would increase the footfall through the town centre (do paws count as feet?) and would marginally reduce both traffic flow and short-term parking. 15.10.13 Francis I live in St.Briavels not Lydney but a copy of your public consultation document Included in NDP Highway and MacDermot came through my letterbox and I am taking that as an invitation to contribute. It Pedestrian seems to me that transport needs to be at the heart of the development plan. Infrastructure Lydney has a growing population but a dying town centre because it is traffic- congested, dirty and polluted and there is inadequate parking. An out-of-town supermarket will kill it completely. If Lydney is to become more prosperous it must address the problem of the A48 as it passes through Chepstow. I know this is in some ways a 'cross border' issue but Lydney is unlikely to attract businesses that depend on road transport if it is cut off from the motorway network by a severe traffic bottleneck. If I had a business that needed to connect with Bristol I would prefer to locate it in Abergavenny or Pontypool than in Lydney, despite the extra distance.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 35 17.10.13 Tom Tel: 0207 2731768. Detailed letter from the company regarding new sports Acknowledged Bowkett facilities and email details http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning

22.10.13 Peter Letter addressed to Cllr B Pearman. Localism act 2011 and long letter Acknowledged Williams reproduced and included in NDP feedback/Statutory section of website

24.10.13 Jackie Having gone through the entire development plan I am in awe at the amount of Included in NDP Included Points 1, 2. Longton work that has already gone into it. I have 2 main goals I would like the plan to achieve: 1. Tidying up of the Town centre and hopefully making it a pedestrianised area. 2. Linking the various parts of the town together to maximise the growth of the economy, not just through locals, but, also, by attracting more visitors to this wonderful area. I consider the changes to the roads coming in from the North to be very important. If heavy vehicles could be directed out of the Town centre and enabled to link up with the bye-pass sooner, the development of the Town centre would be achievable. The re- routing of traffic going to the industrial estate near the harbour would also allow this area to develop as a real visitor attraction as well as encouraging locals to make more use of such a both beautiful and historical area. At present we do not make enough of the harbour area. I run and walk in that area virtually every day and it is wonderful. Occasionally, I meet visitors and they also love it and are keen to learn much more. The whole are, along the tow path to the harbour itself is alive with wildlife. There must be local organisations in the area who have expertise, and willing volunteers, to carry out a survey of wildlife (both flora and fauna) in its many forms. Boards could be erected to give details of what people might see. The edges of the canal need to be cleared to allow light in so that, whilst remaining a wild habitat, light is allowed through to the canal. This would encourage growth but also give walkers much better views. The harbour needs to be linked up to the rest of the Forest cycle paths. We have thousands of visitors to the cycle centre but we don't allow them to cycle into the town and harbour area. It would not be a massive task and most of it could still be off road. It could run next to Norchard lines on its way out of town. I

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 36 know some people have been saying there are health and safety reasons why that cannot happen. I would encourage people involved with the development plan to visit and walk the cycle way running from Bristol to Bath and beyond. This follows beside a steam railway for some of its route, with nothing between riders/walkers and the tracks other than a 3 wire fence. Crossings have to be made and signage just encourages people to look before crossing. The Station has been made into a wonderful cafe and shop which is busy with people visiting the steam centre, cyclists and walkers. By bringing visitors from the Forest down into the town specialist shops could be more viable. Local cafes and restaurants could gain more customers. Signage has still not been replaced to direct visitors from the steam station to the tow path which they can follow safely down to the harbour. On several occasions I have stopped people with young children about to try to walk along the road which has no pavement. They have always been delighted to find this much more scenic route. The development of the old factory site near the entrance to the harbour is most welcome as it was an eye sore. If this is to be a warehouse for the same company that runs the fish smoking establishment on the A48 between here and Gloucester, could they not be approached to open a cafe at the front of their premises. It would need to have more of an industrial look to the one they already have but it would be a brilliant facility for locals and visitors to the harbour. Plans to make a better marina at the harbour can only be a good thing if they get more people into our area. I hope this is of some use. *08/10/2 Anne This is such a historic place. It would be great to see a development that showed Included in NDP Environment, 013 Smithells its history & gave its visitors some recreation facilities. Cliff walk path is very Harbour, Highways species rich (flowers). Care should be taken to preserve this area. *08/10/2 Joe Belty The first thing is to install the infrastructure before any more development - with Included in NDP 013 regard to Allastone development.

*08/10/2 Andrew Harbour area needs to make maximum use of resources = energy park. Included in NDP Harbour 013 Clarke Relocalistion of essential needs, goods and services need to be essential to NDP.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 37 *08/10/2 Don Harris The harbour needs to be developed to attract tourists and inject revenue onto Included in NDP Harbour 013 the area. The road to the harbour needs to be resurfaced or alternative road built. *08/10/2 Carol Harris The underpass at the station needs to be upgraded and available to save Outside remit of Reffered to Town 013 someone's life. This needs an immediate action. NDP Council to follow-up?

*08/10/2 M E Rose Please get rid of the industrial estate and then make a tourist attraction of the Included in NDP Harbour, Highways 013 canal walk to harbour.

*08/10/2 C L Stanley Protect the haven that is East Marsh. There are plant and animal species of Included in NDP Environment 013 increasing rarity here. *08/10/2 Anne 1900 new houses need the infrastructure of industrial units to support the new Included in NDP Town Centre 013 Smithells residents - Lydney also needs facelift. *08/10/2 P Morse Why is it that sixth form students should have to pay on transport to go to Included in NDP Education 013 school now we have no sixth form in Lydney. *08/10/2 Anthony Bream Road relief road is the only practical solution to the dangerous and Included in NDP Highway and 013 Midgley increasingly unacceptable traffic problem culminating in an inevitable serious Pedestrian accident soon. Infrastructure

*02/10/2 Dorothy We need toilets and a café at the docks. Included in NDP Harbour 013 Smith

*02/10/2 Stephen S Priorities: employment shopping choice parking charges 20 mph traffic Acknowledged 013 ????? job centre / recruitment agency *02/10/2 Emma I'm worried who is proposing what, where the money comes from, who is Acknowledged 013 Biddle answerable ......

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 38 *02/10/2 C Bloomfield How are you going to address the blockage of the A48 to Gloucester & Chepstow Acknowledged 013 for commuters. Page 47 presumption against development ...... to reduce the green space between Lydney and the settlements of Alvington etc - where's Aylburton *02/10/2 Russell Could the library be included in the plan Need bigger one if population grows. Acknowledged 013 Dedington Libraries offer greater community services these days as well as lending books.

*02/10/2 M G Need to provide a cycle path between Aylburton and Lydney. Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 013 Bloomfield

*02/10/2 C P Concern that the area of East Marsh and Lydney town Marsh are preserved for Included in NDP Environment, 013 Bloomfield their rich wildlife. Are you providing enough school places for the next 20 years. Education, Future There has been no increase in provision for health and elderly care over 30 Healtcare Provision years. Even without the current increase in housing. *02/10/2 Sharon Frith We need a bigger school at Severnbanks to cope with the demand coming into Included in NDP Education, Highways 013 the area. It is important to have a sixth form at Dean Academy. I am very concerned about the transport problems which could escalate as a result of more homes.

*02/10/2 James Frith I think we need a bigger school at Severnbanks so like can cope with more Included in NDP Education 013 pupils. *02/10/2 Victoria Frith I think we need a sixth form at The Dean Academy so that we don't have to go to Included in NDP Education 013 Gloucester or somewhere like that to go to college. *02/10/2 Kath Newell Lydney East lacks infrastructure and services currently. This is a rapidly growing Acknowledged 013 residential area that needs services eg health, education to better support it. Cycle / running route to encourage outdoor activity in a safe environment should be considered. Provide safe links to park, canal and lake. *02/10/2 B Venner Docks - option 2 must be started soonest as it is the key to opening the door for Acknowledged 013 the whole area. Cost does not enter any equation its bound to be there but cannot be a foundation that is thrown away.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 39 *02/10/2 John Nelmes Why are we not using the roads we have bought for expansion - that is Albert St Included in NDP Highway and 013 and Swan Road. Why no road out to bypass from Tutnalls. How many more Pedestrian houses with no work. If you use your proposed routes you will decrease parking Infrastructure - is this right when you need them for a pedestrian area. *02/10/2 Sue Hillier Docks - option 2 seems the best plan but obviously costly - the harbour needs Acknowledged Harbour 013 toilets, café, more information boards and less health and safety notices.

*02/10/2 Kate Newell Docks - option 2 Industrial and tourism opportunities. Acknowledged Harbour 013 *02/10/2 Sue Holmes Docks - option 2 This area could become a very important tourist destination and Acknowledged Harbour 013 deserves investment. *02/10/2 Mick Scott I can appreciate what the future may be for this area since I visit the docks often Acknowledged Harbour 013 so any improvement would be an advantage.

*02/10/2 R E Holmes The docks and canal are a great asset Acknowledged Harbour 013 *02/10/2 Lisa It would be nice to see the docks improved. We also need the underpass Acknowledged Harbour 013 Cooksley reopening. *02/10/2 M Hills Support reopening of underpass. Preserve character of docks but enhance Outside remit of Reffered to Town 013 sympathetically with railway waggons etc. NDP Council to follow-up? *02/10/2 M Gibbs I like the idea of harbour option 2. It will open up the industrial estate to bring Acknowledged Harbour 013 more business to Lydney.

*02/10/2 Gill Cooksley I like idea 2 for Lydney Harbour. Acknowledged Harbour 013 *02/10/2 Eileen James Docks area restaurant/ café and toilets definitely needed. More cycle friendly Included in NDP Highway and 013 plus improve footpaths from town. Pedestrian Infrastructure, Harbour *02/10/2 S & N Rosser Improve footpath from town to Harbour, plus new road off bypass for heavy Included in NDP Highways 013 vehicles to access trading estate.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 40 *08/10/2 D Matthews Road through Lydney hopeless. Problem with vehicles unloading, fixed loading Included in NDP Highways 013 and unloading times required. Bream road and forest road junctions inadequate, requires wider junction to increase flow. Vehicular pollution will not reduce without measures taken. Why do parents drive a few hundred yards to deliver children to school. Perhaps measures could be taken on access roads to encourage people to use bypass for industrial estates. *08/10/2 M Sandford Regarding access from the bypass to the harbour could Naas Lane be used, Included in NDP Highways 013 perhaps this could go further and become a proper two-way road. If new supermarkets are to be built could they be in the centre of Lydney and not near the bypass, people need to be encouraged to come into the town to shop, not taken out of the town to out of town shopping centres. *09/10/2 Alana Watts The end of Bream Road in Lydney is a disgrace at the moment. This is the only Included in NDP Highways 013 place buses stop at the top of Lydney. Either a roundabout, or make the cark park a bus station. Use the Cross until something can be done to relieve the agony. We have a railway station that should be used a lot more, more buses to and from Lydney and hopefully it would be used more. Please don't knock down any more buildings that are part of Lydney's heritage. Please do something about the Old Police Station or will it face the same fate as The Feathers and others. *09/10/2 Sally Great need is further development at the Harbour eg café and toilets. Station - Included in NDP Included Points 1, 3, 013 McGoon line crossing needs to be made safe, using underpass. Education - vital to 4. Not included develop a sixth form at the Dean Academy. Transport - as well as A48 service to Points 2 but included and from Gloucester need better links with forest villages. Bream Road Lydney is in Network Rail a dangerous bus stop for the 23 why not use the Cross. Suggestion to move Master Plan rugby ground is crazy Lydney has good sports facilities, why not keep them. Lack mentioned in Plan. of development at Cross end of Lydney for example eg a sub post office to replace the proper post office that was lost. Station needs suitable waiting room with heating and toilets. Bus station needs a toilet. Buses need to connect with railway station at train times. Lydney's old police station - what are the plans?

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 41 08/11/20 Jacky Smith Thank you for your kind email. Please find attached a brief report, summarising Acknowledged Content of Report 13 the results of a pilot public opinion survey carried out in Lydney last Saturday. As contained in NDP you will see, it suggests that while the Neighbourhood Development Plan feedback on website Steering Group have done a sterling job in writing a long and detailed plan, and that many topics in the draft report were widely supported, there were some topics where we found that both national and local surveys suggest that there have been some methodological problems with the survey work carried out by the NDP. This could mean that the draft Plan is at serious risk of being rejected at a later stage. I would be grateful if you could table this report at the next meeting of the steering group for discussion. You may also wish to bring it to the attention of the Town Council, since it raises questions about one of their policy documents. I could be available to answer questions at that meeting if required, and I am sure that volunteers from Transition Forest of Dean could assist the Steering Group in carrying out a full survey of this type if that would be helpful. 06/11/20 James one thing I would like added to the NDP is more emphasis on Included in NDP Highways 13 Beavan footpaths/pavements for instance. re: our two latest Superstore applications have again not included any connecting footpaths. e.g. Footpath/cycle path to run along side A48 by pass from new Sainsbury Roundabout to Oakdale Roundabout and from Oakdale Roundabout to Albany Bridge Roundabout. These are just simple basic infrastructures that seem to get overlooked every time by our planning officers GCC Highways included)who should be suggesting amenities like this and not just focusing on car users People need to be able to be independent of car usage especially residents from Lower Church Rd, Station Rd, Cookson, Terrace Railway Terrace, Lytchgate Mews not forgetting school children getting home to & from Oakdale & the New Hitchins sites without having to traverse through housing estate jungles & muddy pathways around the Lake, these are basics that I think we have all overlooked now is chance to put it right If nobody has any cash to do these links then here's a challenge for SUSTRANS who appear to get millions for non essential projects like the Tintern Wye Valley Tunnel Project 18/11/20 Jean Tel call: 10:05am 18.11.13 - Received NDP leaflet in post, 2 questions - 1 - What Included in NDP Highways 13 Edwards happened to the traffic plan for town centre? 2 - Air pollution will make lydney worse.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 42 18/11/20 Anne Nichol I am writing to ask why the mayor of lydney contributes to the dangerous Outside remit of 13 crossing of the A48 in aylburton by allowing his hedge to grow over his wall onto NDP the pavement seriously compromising the already restricted view towards lydney as you exit the village hall and attempt to cross the road as transport regularly speeds through the village as we have no official crossing or speed cameras to control them? This being the case how can he expect to be taken seriously when he cleary shows a lack of care for our safety and no consideration for the residents of the village he actually lives in? Personally a person who displays these actions inspires no confidence in me what so ever and neither do his ideas. 18/11/20 Douglas Dear Sirs, With respect to Lydney NDP, My comments are: 1. I received the Included in NDP Point 1,3 13 McGill glossy pamphlet this morning and it says comments on the acknowledged. draft plan should be returned by 22nd November, not very much notice time, Included Points 2, 4. very bad planning already!! Does not instill much confidence in the rest of the Not Included 5, 6. plan. 2. Working & Shopping. Supermarkets and developing the town centre do not go hand in hand I suggest you concentrate on the town centre and industry, not the supermarkets, do you want future generations to either sit behind a supermarket till all day, or move away to get a proper job? 3. Environment. There are long term plans in EU to stop wood burning, I insist that the NDP encourages and promotes wood burning as a totally sustainable energy policy for housing old & new constructions in a forested district and totally objects to all wind turbine schemes which are totally unsustainable without cost to the tax payer through exorbitant subsidy. Also the council employ a company to recycle our waste and they should do so, not the householder, one bin one household!! Let the people employed sort the waste, most people are too busy to do this, let the binman do it!! 4. Getting around. There should be a bus connection from the town centre to the railway station(not everybody can walk or cycle) and a proper at least houly bus service to Gloucester and Chepstow stopping at all villages and hamlets on route on the A48 5. Housing & Education. As we shall leave the EU very soon, no educational provision should be made for EU nationals moving in, only British subjects in core subjects. 6. I do not see anything regarding Police facilities?

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 43 18/11/20 Robin Whatever ideas may be decided, much must depend on what the relative Included in NDP Harbour 13 Warren property owners are prepared to do. As I understand it there are two area where owners have either changed recently, or may do so in the near future. It looks as though the former Pine End Works has changed hands, as new fencing has been erected round the site. Whatever the new owner has in mind, would it be possible to request the construction of a shop/cafe/information centre, with a toilet, near the old swing bridge? With regards to the Harbour itself – I understand the this is owned by the Envirenment Agency, which may have to sell under Goevernmant requirements. Whoever buys this area will have to accept many responsibilities. Presumably the area concerned would include the canal and the Upper Basin, adjoining the business park opposite Cookson Terrace. It is probable that this stretch may well be in need of dredging, to make it possible for craft to use it, as well as the assist in flood prevention. It is possible that the area up the canal, above the swing bridge could be used for additional moorings, but any new owner would need to find some way of making the area pay for itself.

18/11/20 Dan Instone Dear sir/madam, The Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan newsletter Included in NDP Highways 13 came through my letter box today and I have a couple of suggestions For residents of the Oakdale/Higher Lydney Park housing estate it is not easy to get to the town centre by any other means than a car, which is annoying as the town is right behind us but with no easy way to get there. A road to connect us to the town would mean that instead of having to get in a car we could walk without it taking over an hour to buy some groceries. This would also tie in with your goal to create "a positive well cared for environment". On a side note we have heard rumours of both an ASDA and a Sainsburys store opening in Lydney; is this the case? 19/11/20 Mrs Pettit Telephone call: 11am 19.11.13. Received NDP newsletter and has 2 suggestions: Acknowledged 13 1- The Railway station is not marked on the map, it would have been better to have more emphesis on the railway that runs through Lydney rather than the roads. 2- Would suggest building towards the railway station rather than out of town developments.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 44 19/11/20 Mr A Knight Feedback form received 19.11.13: Clusters of new build bungalows for retired Included in NDP Housing 13 lydney residents who wish to down-size from larger properties would free up existing housing instead of blotting the landscape with a forest of new housing estates. Affordable - and remaining so into the future. Small gardens and eco- friendly easy walking distance when carrying heavy shopping. Rethink the so- called 'community' transport centre and make it user friendly for passengers. Invest in jobs for young people already resident in Lydney. 19/11/20 Hayley Feedback form received 18.11.13: Some spelling and grammar issues, There is Acknowledged 13 Clayton no reference made to evidence collected during consultation, do you have the consultation summary document? - containg information on how data was collected to support the NDP?

19/11/20 Jane Barnes I'm afraid I don't have any names to address this to, only this email address. I Acknowledged 13 would just like to comment on the fact that the Lydney NDP are asking for our vote, to be submitted by November 22nd via a leaflet delivered on November the 18th. Not much time to know what it's really all about - feels a bit like a political election !

19/11/20 B. C. Baker I notice the map does not show any sort of development on the land adjacent to Acknowledged 13 Allastone Road. In that case why is consideration being given to the application to build 230 houses there?

19/11/20 Mrs Sally She received the NDP doc and wants to know who is eligible to vote? Acknowledged 13 Lomax

19/11/20 Mr Barnes Thinks that it would be a good idea to have a mini roundabout at the bottom of Acknowledged 13 bream road with appropriate stop signs.

19/11/20 Mr David Transport issues: Live at Parkend so impossible to use bus service - cannot get to Included in NDP Highways 13 Bowring Doctors in Yorkley due to limited bus service, only local service is James Bevan bus 3 times a day. Last bus to Lydney is 11.30 or cant get back. Coleford via Parkend and Whitecroft otherwise Dial-a-ride.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 45 19/11/20 Mrs Bowring Poorly served bus service, no service to gloucester from parkend. Why cant a bus Included in NDP Highways 13 go through bream to parkend? Also recycling - have to take cardboard in car to broadwell, why cant things like this be collected from the road side with other waste? 20/11/20 Mr Disgraced to have only received the plan with 2 days to comment! Bad planning. Acknowledged 13 Spackman Will be sending comments about the plan via email.

20/11/20 Mrs Gregory Lives at Newerne link and bream road and has planning blight on their property Acknowledged Contacted and 13 so is worried how the plan will also affect them? discussed plans with Mrs Gregory

20/11/20 Robert Long letter addressed to NDP (typed up in word document) included in NDP Acknowledged Reffered to Town 13 Hitchins Ltd feedback section under statutory consultee feedback Council to follow-up? 21/11/20 Mr Kear Expanding Lydney is stupid. Don’t need any more housing developments. Lydney Outside remit of outside remit of NDP 13 used to be a pleasant town, it is now over run with vandalism from the housing NDP - decision already estates. Few people want Lydney to 'grow'. Ridiculous place to expand anyway made by LPA as there are no jobs, the only jobs being in Bristol or Gloucester. He also said he has sent a letter which has most likely been 'put in the bin' by us as we do not listen to what the residents want. If asked to vote he will vote 'NO' to the NDP plan. 20/11/20 David Thanks for the reply. My comments are: Improve the Road access into Lydney, Included in NDP Highways 13 Sleeman especially Driffield Road requires widening. Improve the Parking in Lydney – the FoD Car Parks are now nearly always empty because of the charges, however, it is now almost impossible to get to Park in the Streets. Remove the 20 mph Signs on the Roads approaching the centre of Lydney– what a waste of time and money that was, and does anyone actually travel at 20 mph through Lydney – more like 10 mph because of the on-street parking

20/11/20 Fay Martin I received an A4 leaflet through the door a few days ago regarding the lydney Acknowledged 13 NDP. I notice that the formal consultation runs from 2nd October until 22 November. I am astounded that members of the public have only formally received information regarding the consultation less than 1 week prior to the consultation deadline. To go to the effort of producing material asking for public opnion and support with less than 1 week to read, understand and submit feedback seems a complete waste of time, and I am disappointed that I will not have time to offer my opinion. Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 46 20/11/20 Bryn Dear Sir, I have received my November copy of the Lydney NDP, and I would like Included in NDP Included Points 2. 13 Richards to make the following comments :- HOUSING Not Included Points 1 I note the intention to build 1900 new homes by 2026. The requirement or (outside remit of NDP desirability, for this amount of new homes for the Lydney area is disputed by - decision already most residents in the area and we all know that the bulk of these new homes made by LPA) will be bought by people from outside the area. Taking a home occupancy of three people per dwelling, this would assume that the population of Lydney is going to almost double in thirteen years, which is absurd. Where do these figures come from?? We will end up with a commuter dormitory area on the Ring Road, adding to the traffic on the A48, etc etc. All of this is well known and we residents were hoping for a more sensible plan on future housing, one that will satisfy the genuine needs of local people, both young and old. The figures mentioned in the NDP look like a continuation of the ridiculous plans pushed through by John Prescott and if this is incorporated into the final NDP, I think will not be looked upon favourably in the Public Referendum. Also, on housing, I would agree with small local developments and “infill” where appropriate, but absurd proposals such as an additional 200 new houses wedged into agricultural land at the top of Allaston Road should be dismissed out of hand as forming any sensible part of the housing section for the NDP. WORKING & SHOPPING I note a weekly market is suggested. An excellent idea BUT we must clarify exactly what we mean by this. A truly local market, for local products, food, veg, cider, wine, handicrafts etc is fine but not a market that is taken over by traders from outside the area. I would draw your attention to a couple of examples. a) Worcester, where Angel Place has been taken over by traders from Birmingham selling tatty wares, creating litter and an area that was an attractive centre for shops has been disfigured b) Skipton, Yorkshire. The lovely High Street has been taken over by traders from Bradford Etc and is now a permanent eye- sore We do not want this to happen in Lydney I hope the above constructive comments are helpful.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 47 21/11/20 Dave Harris 1. The plan proposes too much housing. Why do we need an additional 2100 Included in NDP Included Points 2, 3. 13 houses? Are we going to import more tenants from large towns? 2. There Not Included Points 1 appears to be industrial development on the areas around bypass which is (outside remit of NDP marsh land. This is not sustainable, this land would be better used for flood - decision already water relief and as wildlife areas. We are likely to be subject to more flooding in made by LPA), 4, 5. the future wetlands should be kept as such. 3. Developing the docks is a good idea and well over due 4. We need to get full use of existing retail properties before we build more 5. What happened to the pedestrianisation of Newern St.

21/11/20 Stuart Thank you for the draft plan leaflet delivered yesterday. Under the heading Outside remit of Reffered to Town 13 Kerslake 'Getting Around' may I please draw to your attention a very important matter NDP Council to follow-up? concerning . Westbound passengers have to access their platform on the down side by means of the level crossing. If the barriers are lowered awaiting the passage of an up train the level crossing is blocked until this train has cleared. I have seen occasions when the barriers have to remain down because of the approach of the westbound passenger train resulting in frustrated passengers watching their service arrive and depart without them. My concern is that someone in a panic will attempt to catch his train by crossing the running lines while the barriers are down. Railway crossings are dangerous places and it is not unknown for people to lose their lives in this situation . I think you should give urgent attention to the provision of a footbridge or subway so that passengers can cross the line in safety. Yours faithfully, Stuart Kerslake 19/11/20 Dierdre Thank you for sending a copy of Lydney’s draft Neighbourhood Development Acknowledged 13 Morley Plan for Newent Town Council consultation. A copy of the Plan was distributed Town Clerk to Members and it was raised at a recent meeting of the Town Council. Whilst the Council did not make comment about specific detail contained within the Plan, I have been asked to write to you to congratulate your Council on its comprehensive content and professional presentation. Newent Town Council wishes you well with its implementation.

19/11/20 Steven According to statement made on LYDNDP3/6 Development on Rugby Football Included in NDP Highways 13 Tovey Grounds is to be strongly resisted...... Yet the Transport plan clearly shows a link to the bypass passing through the present rugby ground. A contradiction !!!!!!!!!. Whatever happened to the Swan Road link that was proposed man years ago?

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 48 22/11/20 Martin Good Morning, Following requests on the above plan and having read the leaflet Included in NDP Include Points 1, 3. 13 Godwin, which appeared the other day, under 'Working and Shopping', it states Acknowledged Point Lydney 'enhancing shop fronts and retail space'. 2. Tennis Club I was wondering about the fronts of some of the properties between the cross and Bream Road. If tidied up, the general look of Lydney as you enter from the Chepstow side would be improved greatly Also speaking as the Tennis Club chairman, under 'Health and Leisure', you mention 'supporting the success of Lydney sports teams and facilities'. Putting aside the enormous inconvenience to the club of having the footbridge adjacent to it closed, another issue of great concern is the problem of flooding. At this point last year we were under water and couldn't use the facilities until some point in February. After the heavy rain of 3/4 weeks ago, the Lyd was again right up to the top of the bank and water had seeped through onto one of the courts. If flooding is going to be a regular problem, then the club cannot sustain the cost of such a regular clean-up operation. At our recent AGM (20th Nov), we discussed ways in which we feel flood water could be prevented from covering the courts and intend to pass these on to the Recreation Trust for consideration. Any help to speed up the process would of course be gratefully received. Best Regards, Martin Godwin 22/11/20 David Price Lydney is a great place to live, it has so much to offer, and I am please to see that Included in NDP Included Points 2, 3, 13 you are trying to make it better. 1) I am puzzled though how Sainsburys and 4. Not included Asda were allowed to fight it out. When with all the new developments being Points 1 (outside planned around Lydney, we could have sustained one decent supermarket remit of NDP - FoDDC (Sainsburys) and then on the smaller site, had a good hardware shop discussion already (Homebase). This in turn could have attracted a family resturant/pub and made), 5. possible fastfood restuarnt on the bypass, when looking at other towns similar to Lydney this could have kick started some industry all be it on the outskirts of town, but thats where the houses are being built, it would be central to them. The land where Sainsburys was planned for might be green field site, but it is in your plans as development site so I struggle to see how it could be refused for being on a greenfield site when you have it earmarked for something! 2) The town center once a bustling shopping center with its huge Saturday market, is now sadly gone, my thoughts on this are because there are not shops with large enough floor space to accommodate the main high street brands. Watts were looking at knocking down ETB and building a small supermarket - which we do not need, as we have Tuffins behind. So why not let Watts build there shop, but

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 49 try and encourage a major High Street brand or two to come along and occupy the floor space, and then if possible where shops become vacant see where they can be knocked into one, creating larger floor space for more High Street Brands, this way we will be encouraging shoppers back to the town center. 3) Transport around the town is not the best, I tend to walk most places, but then I live fairly close to town center, where are the little run around buses, with regular visits to the . Where is the every 20 minuets bus service to Gloucester in the rush hour, we have an expensive bus lane to get us to Gloucester so why not use it, the buses are packed and so a re the roads, so why can we not have a more regular bus service up and down to Gloucester to try and encourage more people out of their cars. With all these new houses the roads to Gloucester and Chepstow at peak times are not going to be much fun. As a side issue has anyone thought if either Arriva Trains or Dean Forest Railway would be willing to run a service from Parkend to Gloucester for commuters? Also is there any reason why Stagecoach do not run a Forest Circular bus route, instead of all buses going to Coleford, via either Lydney or Cinderford, why not have one going Gloucester, Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney, Gloucester, and one going the other way, 4) The Docks is a great place to visit, but how do you keep it like that but still manage to keep it up together, and attract more leisure activity down there - perhaps one way is seeing if www.treasuretrails.co.uk/ would be interested. The park is fantastic place to go, and I know that people come from miles to go there, and I am glad to see that we have a great new cafe opened in the center of the park, and I wish her the best of luck and encourage everybody to visit her. But more needs to be done there, the footpaths are in need of repair, the railings look awful. The River Lyd and Canal running through the center of town always look so unkempt, the footpaths that run alongside always so uninviting. 5) Lots of new housing is planned around and in the town, but what about Cookson Terrace, the other side of the railway line, Two Rivers are trying to sell them, but nobody can get a mortgage for the houses, don't let this lovely row of houses going is ruin, people still live there, and if you are trying to promote the Docks and Industrial Estate, do you really want people driving past a row of houses that are boarded up and falling into disrepair?

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 50 22/11/20 christine I was astonished to read your Development Plan for Lydney, which in view of its Included in NDP Town Centre 13 puckett contents should have given residents far more than a mere two days to submit any comments. Lydney from the Memorial to the Factory Shop consists of old, scruffy, dilapidated, squat buildings with appalling shop fronts. There is a filthy river and stream; a so called boating lake which is simply a large muddy pond in the middle of scrub land; a tatty bus station and library both of which should have been demolished and rebuilt years ago. The uneven pavements and two car parks are full of puddles as soon as it rains and there is already a weekly market which has been in existence for 30 yrs plus, so I am informed, which is struggling to survive. The area at the far end of Church Road and the Harbour Road including the railway station look like a third world country. To reach the so called harbour you have to pass an enormous rubbish dump and a run -down industrial estate for the dubious pleasure of a grotty canal and so called harbour. As the vast, bland and anonymous housing estate, replicated from Land's End to John 'O' Goats, hasn't yet been completed, the impact of this on Lydney town centre, the residents, the surrounding areas and the A48, hasn't been assessed or even considered. Yet someone has decided that Lydney needs another 2100 houses foisted on it, houses which will be occupied, mostly, by people who don't live anywhere near the Forest. We have all seen your proposals in previous grandiose plans but no improvements ever materialise and everywhere deteriorates even further. What we end up with is more identikit houses, litter, crime, vandalism, traffic jams, take-aways and still a dire shortage of any worthwhile jobs. Do not expect any YES votes from this household Mrs C |Puckett 27/11/20 Dorothy Phoned to let us know that the railway station had been left off the newsletter Acknowledged 13 Stewart map.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 51 23/11/20 Gordon I have this morning received a copy of LND Plan News and would like to make Included in NDP Housing 13 Blake one comment. Having attended all the planning enquiries relating to housing development in Lydney the emphasis has always been on affordable housing. This is mentioned under the paragraph Housing & Education in the Plan News. This paragraph also mentions good housing provision for the retired. I think that I can rightly state that as there has been no provision whatsoever for the retired in any of the proposed major developoments where is this provision going to come from? This is a point that I have brought up personally at enquiries,all to no avail,but with an ever increasing ageing population this is extremely relavent and important. Kindest regards,

22/11/20 Janet Dear Sir or Madam, Included in NDP Housing, Town 13 Rawlings Centre A leaflet about this Neighbourhood Development Plan just came through our door here in Viney Hill yesterday so please excuse the lateness of my comments. Most of the Plan seems very sensible but I have a couple of comments.

1. I do not agree with your aim of "encouraging new large stores to move to Lydney:..." Large chainstores suck money out of the local economy, in to shareholders pockets, and usually lead to the closure of locally-owned businesses who can't compete with the buying power of the large organisations. The priority should be on protecting the diversity of the High Street and encouraging new locally owned businesses to open.

2. I do not agree with the NDP's half-hearted support for renewable energy. The more renewable energy the area can generate the better as energy security will be one of the main criteria for a thriving economy in the future. I would hope the Town Council would support all proposals for solar panels, wind turbines and small-scale hydro which come before them. I fully support the turbine proposed for Viney Hill and the PV farm planned between here and the A48.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 52 22/11/20 Mike Wyatt Thank you for sending me a brochure outlining the Lydney NDP, which I received Acknowledged 13 earlier this week. I am very much supportive of the aims of the plan, and am very interested in how you plan to achieve them. In particular, I'm very interested to understand how you plan to work with the district council & the county council to make these proposals a reality. I will certainly vote in favour if I can see a viable way of achieving the aims that you are setting. I look forward to hearing from you,

22/11/20 Gary Good afternoon, Included in NDP Included Points 3,. 13 Falkiner Please see my brief comments regarding the proposals in the NDP Lydney plan. Not Included Points 1 1) Land Allocations. Housing. & 2(outside remit of Whilst I don't accept the need for additional housing in Lydney, on the grounds NDP - FoDDC decison that there are a large number of empty residential properties in the town already made) already, not to mention the slow take up of the "Oak Dale" development, the allocations are fairly reasonable as they are contained within the natural barrier of the A48. What appears to be missing is any attempt to integrate the allocations within the town. If "Oak Dale" is anything to go by then the proposed allocations will result in even more disjointed ghetto communities, isolated from any established social and community heritage. The real risk is that it will follow the common pattern of a slow slide into anti social behaviour and social isolation, with the consequent costs to the tax payer, not to mention the human cost. "Oak Dale" doesn't even have a foot path to the town or the station - it might as well be built in the middle of the Estuary for all the interaction it has with Lydney.

We don't need any more of this.

2) Industrial.

With the exception of the proposal to the East of the A48, which sticks out like a sore thumb, I support the proposal for industrial zoning. I would, however not support using these areas for retail. This will result in a further erosion of the already marginal town centre critical mass for a viable retail/social area.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 53 Decades of experience with urban planning would show that development of non central retail areas only serves to damage the town centre with huge social costs to the taxpayer. Google the "Walmart Effect" for further insight.

The rezoning of the land to the east of the A48 should be excluded from this proposal as it represents very poor spacial planning, which will erode the benefits of the Bypass. It looks like a classic example of doughnut development. There is no need for it, and it begs the question as to whether motives other than the needs of the public are behind the proposals, devaluing the proposals as a whole.

3) Transport.

The proposals to alleviate the traffic in the centre of Lydney are welcome, the Bream Road to A48 relief road idea has real merit, so long as it isn't an excuse to open up the west of the town for development, as it can be hidden in the valley, thus not causing an eye sore from the various vistas within the town.

The Rugby Club proposal, coupled with the Newerne St Health Centre link would also serve the town well, however both proposals will fail unless active measures are taken to discourage motorists from using the centre of the town as a rat-run.

I propose as part of the relief works that the Hill Street to Newerne Street axis from Tescos to Scotts Stores should be made a shared access route, where Pedestrians and motorists have equal rights to the entire road, thus reducing the speed of traffic to a safe and manageable speed, discouraging motorists, without actually banning them completely. It works well in several other locations, so why not Lydney.

It would also allow that area to be more pleasurable for the local residents, encourage a more prosperous high street. The proposed move of the Fire Station will free up the area around the old train station for more social use, perhaps a new train station (bring in the tourists), perhaps a new park, perhaps a new market area? More trees could be planted along the entire zone, helping

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 54 to clean up the air, Lydney has a very high pollution level for the size of the town.

Other measures could include opening Naas lane to the A48, but with traffic control measures similar to Church Road. Use of the traffic calming measures, as at church road applying to inbound traffic only, will reduce the risk of the road being used as a rat-run.

Regarding the re-prioritisation of the Forest Road Newerne St Junction I am biased as I live on Forest road, but I fear that this will just move the traffic problem from one street to a different street, which isn't a solution. Reducing the traffic, however is.

Other ideas to consider would be greater use of the DFR Norchard carpark as a park and ride for the town and the mainline station - bringing extra business to the local heritage railway. Greater use of buses would be welcome, at present they are unapproachable, routes are unclear, fares are not obvious, interactions with the rail system murky.

Thank you for the opportunity to present my views, if you wish to discuss these further please get in contact with me at this email address.

22/11/20 Phil & Karen I cannot vote for a plan which supports the creation of 2,100 home in the area. Outside remit of outside remit of NDP 13 Stephens This is absolute lunacy. Do you know how early people have to leave in order to NDP - decision already commute to Gloucester from the Forest???? Please advise specific actions that made by LPA you are taking to resolve the traffic crisis that exists now and also what specific actions for the hundreds upon hundreds more cars that will go onto the roads. Merely stating that there will be more employment land isn’t sufficient. We all know that this will be a drop in the ocean compared to the jobs that will be required for all the new homes. Chepstow will quickly grind to a halt. It seems that you won’t be happy until the A48 is one long traffic queue from Chepstow to Gloucester.

I await your response.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 55 22/11/20 Aileen I am contacting you on behalf of Lydney Churches Together to point out that Acknowledged 13 Powell while we are pleased you have included the churches on the town development map it is very disappointing to see that Holy Trinity on Primrose Hill has been left out.

This is a church that was built 80 years ago and during that time has been very much at the centre of the local community on the Hill, including its use as a polling station for local and national elections.

Flyers have recently been delivered by the church to residents on the Hill explaining what goes on all through the week so we do want people to know where we are!

Sincerely hope you can add us to the map for future distribution so we can be part of the plan along with the other public buildings in our town.

19/11/20 Sarah Good Morning, Many thanks for the NDP new which came through my door this Acknowledged 13 morning. It looks and reads really positively. Can I just point out one omission which I know will upset my parishioners on Primrose Hill, There is church there named: Holy Trinity Primrose Hill, (a part of Lydney parish with St Mary’s, of which I am the vicar) This church is a regular voting station, serves Primrose Hill and its school community, holds senior lunches, is a venue for hiring for many groups across Lyndey, including the Briars, the Brownies, Teen Counselling, clubs, parties, funeral wakes, etc. and really deserves to be on your map. I copy the Church Wardens of Holy trinity, in above.

Please could you amend your database of churches, and include in all future publicity,

with kind regards

Sarah

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 56 24/11/20 Shauna don’t see why anyone (including the council) should be so keen to see an out-of- Acknowledged 13 Gwynne town supermarket developement. It’s been demonstrated over and over that such developements are bad for town centres and only harm smaller shops.

22/11/20 Keith Davies The plan for the revitalisation of the town centre needs far more imagination Acknowledged 13 than you appear to be giving it. Retail is on its last legs, so to increase retail area by 600 sq. M. will only lead to even more empty shops. The only things that work on high streets are things that cannot be brought on the internet, and when a shop finds that niche Tesco or Asda quickly fill it, killing off the new shop.

You may well have to accept that the high street is dead except for cafes, take aways and chemists and just try to think of a way of occupying the former retail premises with something other than retail 19/11/20 Trudie Smith please could you see your way to ensure that there are more one bed Included in NDP Housing 13 bungalows/houses for older people outside lydney but who live in the forest to be able to move into lydney to be nearer their relatives and friends, at the moment there is an extreme shortage 19/11/20 Mr R Adams There seems to be some great ideas in these plans.But where is the money Acknowledged 13 coming from.I have lived in Yorkely in Lower rd and have bee trying to get the road resurfaced only to be told that it will be done as soon as the Government alot more mone to the district.Since then they have had two lots of money given for the upkeep of the roads and still nothing is being done.I asked for a new 30 mile limit sing to be put up as the present one has faded badly.This as not been done also.Now if we cant afford a new road sign how are we going to afford all this regeneration. I notice in the plan that we need “new larger stores to move in to Lydney to provide more choice.Yet here we are turning down Sainsburys for Asda when Asda are already going to move into Cinderford.Two Asdas in the forest when we could of really had a choice with Sainsburys. Pressumably this will all have to get the go ahead by the planning committee.Well if they take as long as they did to come to a decition over the supermarkets.nothings going to get done any time soon. The Forest should be teaming with tourists all year.Its such a lovely are.Yet nothing seems to be done to promote tourism in this area.The more toursits that visit the more prosperous towns like Lydney would become.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 57 18/11/20 ian & Joan why is there no mention of providing a town square or other town centre Included in NDP Town Centre 13 Spencer feature in the area of the unsightly car dealership opposite the Annexe, the car dealership detracts highly from the town centre! 07/11/20 Mrs Thomas We all know that the houses will be built first and the less profitable parts of the Included in NDP 13 scheme will be shelved or not completed at all. Can the council do anything to ensure that improved infrastructures are put in place at the same pace as the houses. Where are these people going to work in the interim before new employers are encouraged here? Very well to build houses but people need jobs in order to buy houses. 26/10/20 John I strongly agree with all the above comments. Lydney harbour with its Included in NDP Harbour 13 Precious magnifcent views down to the Severn estuary is in many ways quite unique and cries out for sympathtic development. Properly developed and promoted with cafe, toilet facilities and other attractions it could become Lydney’s greatest asset attracting visitors from far and wide. 22/10/20 Julie Smith Hello Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 I regularly travel from the railway station at Lydney to the Barracks in Parkend by bicycle. I think that it would be brilliant to have a dedicated cycle path from Lydney Railway station to Parkend. I am happy to cycle on the main road during the day, however, in the evenings when it is dark I am very conscious that the road is very winding, and that to my left there is a big drop and I am worried that cars may not see me and unwittingly force me off the road. I think that may be potential for their to be a cycle path alongside the railway line where the steam trains run, through from Lydney railway station to Parkend. This would provide me with a safer route in the evening and would hopefully have the advantage that it was a gentler gradient, which would make cycling easier. It would also be beneficial to have some secure cycle parking at Lydney station for bicycles. At the moment I use a folding bicycle, which I take on the train with me but if I was able to park a bike at the station I would be able to use a full size bike, which again would make my journey easier. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 58 22/10/20 Peter Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan Consultation Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 Andrews Cycling is an important part of the transport mix. I run a business in Parkend and we are dependent on cycle travel to and from Lydney Station. Several people have already commented that a route from the station, through Lydney, to Whitecroft and Parkend should be a priority — and I completely agree.

The route from the station to Lydney begins well with a shared use path along Station Road. Many people then go through the park, round the lake and into Lydney town centre on Hams Road. This could be formalised and proper signing and surfacing should ensure cyclists and walkers do not conflict. The route from the Station Road/A48 roundabout should continue into the park and follow the line of the Lyd, at the edge of the sports fields, into Swan Road, and then into Forest Road. (It is disturbing to see that a major road has been mooted along this route!) The current road route to Parkend (Forest Road / New Road) feels dangerous and intimidating. It needs to be improved. Options include: 1) A route following the corridor of the Dean Forest Railway. This would be my preferred option as the gradients are ideal for cycling. The tourist potential of such a route, incidentally, would be huge. 2) A route running parallel to Forest Road, to Norchard on the existing pavement, widened to about 3 metres. From Norchard to Whitecroft a new pavement route would need to be created. From Whitefroft to Parklend the existing pavement could be utilised, again, widened to 3 metres. 3) A new route through the woodland running alongside Forest Road on the eastern side. This could be an attractive option but only if extensive works were conducted to avoid steep gradients or lengthy detours. 4) A possible mixture of the three options above. EG widen the existing pavement from Lydney to Norchard. Follow the railway from Norchard to Whitecroft. Follow the existing trail running alongside the railway from Whitecroft to Parkend. Other issues that should be looked at: a) There is currently no cycle parking at Lydney Station. Bike have to be locked to the fence. I believe that Tesco monies were made over to Gloucestershire County Council under a Section 106 agreement for stands and cycle storage lockers several years ago. This needs to be implemented.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 59 b) A cycle route from Lydney to Taurus crafts. A dutch style segregated cycle track from the edge of Lydney, alongside the High Street / A48 would be easy to achieve. c) An improved surface on the railway path from Lydney Station to the Harbour would be useful. This route should also be signposted.

I suggest that a cycle forum or working group be set up so that ideas such as this could be explored and developed.

10/10/20 Lydney I agree we need to support small businesses and sole-traders, but I’d also make Included in NDP Town Centre, Leisure 13 Cyclist special mention of our tourism industry (both the attractions and and Tourism accommodation providers). Despite woefully inadequate levels of support from the District Council, the tourism industry in the Forest is actually very well organised and, generally speaking, of a very high standard too. Tourism is a much undervalued part of the local economy and cyclists constitute an important sector of the tourism market. You’re quite wrong to say that cycling does not bring in lots of tourists or money and many small B&B owners actually rely on cyclists to fill rooms. A cycle path from Lydney into the Forest would do much to boost the tourist trade – and it would benifit locals alike. Many people living in places like Pillowell or Whitecroft (shoppers, people working in Lydney, schoolchildren, etc) currently have no way of reaching Lydney safely by bike. It was a long time ago now Bob, but I well remember your doom-mongering over the proposal to build a cycle centre and associated cycle paths at Cannop – both of which turned out to be hugely successful and benificial to the local economy. You were wrong then, and I’m afraid you’re wrong now. 08/10/20 Janine I fully support the comment above about the need for safer cycle routes in and Included in NDP Environment, Leisure 13 Michael around Lydney. Lydney is my main shopping town and I would also welcome a and Tourism plan for designing and integrating better pedestrian access, not necessarily car free zones but areas where cars had to go slower, possibly single file and easier crossing near to the Coop.

The other main comment I would like to raise is around energy issues. The neighbourhood plan is a great the opportunity to incorporate more ambition and vision for Lydney to reduce its carbon impact and generate more energy from renewable energy sources in future. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are mentioned but only in relation to new developments (Policy1/11).

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 60 Programmes and policies which encouraged people to insulate and upgrade the energy efficiency standards of their homes and other buildings would have far greater impact and should be included too. The current wording of the policy statement implying the renewable which are highly visible will be resisted, would actually discourage lots of technologies even at small building-integrated scale. Visual impact of any development if of course important but it should assessed and weighed up against other planning considerations on a case by case basis. A policy that claims to support renewable energy as long as it is invisible is unworkable and no more valid than saying we support building more homes for people, or more business units as long as you can’t see them.

I’d really like to see us have a more balanced and sensible debate about climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy and what we could and should be doing about it locally – e.g. the jobs that could be generated from local insulation schemes and the way this might also help people struggling with high fuel bills, a proper assessment of the renewable energy resource we have locally, the local areas that might be more suitable for larger renewable energy projects, whether preference should be given to projects that give money back to the local community.

Incidentally the draft NDP refers to the town councils Renewable Energy strategy available on the Town Council website – but I can’t seem to find this. 07/10/20 Christine I agree with the above Included in NDP Harbour 13 Nutting to keep every one happy toilets would be most welcome ,a bus on the weekends for those who may now not wish to drive ,, picnic tables for family and friends ,also look at the safety for those with small children 07/10/20 Carl Spiby The environmental section makes no mention of low level radiation monitoring Outside remit of 13 yet your boundary goes up to both the existing Oldbury nuclear plant the NDP proposed site which will be 3-4 times the size and is likely to store more radioactive material on-site.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 61 05/10/20 Jeff Mowatt Many thanks to the local residents for making the effort to deliver the Included In NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 presentation last week. One of my interests is a safe cyling route from Parkend and Whitecroft. Three years ago, residents of these villages began a campaing group to lobby for action, as my web link shows. I understand that this issue has now been taken up by the Forestry Commission and Sustrans. Hopefully those who will be most frequent users will be brought back into the discussion loop.

Thanks for your efforts in creating the draft NDP 04/10/20 Rev Canon Having read the Draft Lydney Plan I congratulate the hard work and thought that Included in NDP Various 13 Barry Coker has gone into it. I moved to Lydney two years ago on retirement having lived in the heart of for 21 years as Vicar. Although the Stroud Town Council area has a larger population than Lydney and a greater catchment area it faces similar issues. Can I especially encourage here in Lydney Housing for first-time buyers and those who need to rent Good links for new housing. Not like those at Oakdale. That area seems to be stuck on the edge of the town like an unwanted wart. Preservation of the wonderful parks and open spaces which give such great pleasure. Further enhancement of the harbour area and improvement to the access road. Encouragement of a good market. My expereicne in Stroud shows how it can draw trade into the town and so bring a real benefit to existing traders. The Stroud Farmers’ Market is one of its great seling points and has a national statues. I am not suggesting Lydney could match that but a market of real local significance would be a great boon. Has anyone talked to places like Stroud or the folk local to the Forest who sell in its market? A postive acceptance of the need for new housing and a readiness to face down the “nimby” brigade BUT also the strength to demand the needed infrastructure and community facilities (e.g. schools and doctors) that such development requires. The more young people from the town who wish to do so can stay in the area the stronger the community becomes. Again, congratulations on an excellent document. I hope many others take time to read it. Every good wish,

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 62 03/10/20 Dr Peter I have a number of comments, some general and some specific. Included in NDP Various 13 Fellows Firstly the traffic is already becoming a nightmare in Kimberley Drive. The speed of cars in both directions is horrendous, and is now compounded by children as young as about 6 who are speeding at around 30mph to 40mph down Kimberley Drive in the centre of the road on their bicycles or scooters. There is a fairly marked and blind bend outside my house (number 66). Unless something is done urgently it is only a matter of time before someone is killed. It is difficult unloading grandchildren and dogs from cars. I have repeatedly asked County Council for traffic calming to be installed, but have never even had a reply. That disgusts me so that I do not anticipate much from this “Public Consultation”.My wife is now so scared that she will not back out her car. I have to do it. Building vans outside my house are currently compounding the problem. Everyone is forced to park on the kerb, as Kimberley Drive is too narrow to do otherwise. It is already being used as a “rat run”. If the Town Centre is pedestrianised or traffic lights or a roundabout installed onto Highfield then things can only get worse. Something needs to be done BEFORE any development.

I think the current parking charges in Lydney are killing off many small businesses. The same is happening in other Forest towns. I personally know many of the traders, and how they are struggling. Soon there will only be charity shops, estate agents, takeaways, and boarded-up shop windows. We even have a pawn shop now. Pedestrianisation of Newerne Street can only make things worse, as many residents will simply head for Out of Town Shopping Malls. What people will do to avoid any payment staggers me. If you doubt that, simply look how many cars park outside Mallards Pike Lake rather than “Pay and Display”. Transport worries me. The railway is already unable to cope. The car park at the station is far to small for current use. Significant expansion of Lydney will lead to great demands for more rail facilities because of poor alternatives. The station is too remote from the Town. Roads within the town are appallingly maintained with uneven surfaces and numerous potholes. The A48 is extremely dangerous, again largely from speeding, and the number of “casualties” is disgraceful. The road widening beyond Highnam does not seem to have helped much. There are always traffic queues at peak times. Chepstow is also a bottle-kneck. At least Stalag Lydney has at last gone and the bus station has been improved. The bus service is reasonable but slow.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 63 The development of Lydney Docks and Harbour has been a great success, thanks to The Town Council, Derek Biddle and Lottery money. The Environment Agency is now putting its oar in, and I should like to know by whose authority. A notice from them stating that dogs must be on a lead at all times is simply unacceptable. My dog likes to run after a ball. He is under control at all times. The “marina’ is looking scruffy again and could do with some pontoons linking boats to the shore, and shore facilities like toilets and showers. These facilities would be welcomed by visitors.The road to the harbour is currently dangerous, not ony because of numerous potholes, but now speeding golfers who need to learn how to “drive”.

High security-fences are now surrounding the old Pine End works. I gather a “smokery” is planned there. That is a huge site for such an enterprise. I suspect foul play. I am suspicious about any thoughts of profiteering from housing development there. Because the Severn is so dangerous with 12 knot tides off Lydney pierhead, rising a foot a minute on some tides, and with quicksands in the river, any house building in that area would be highly irresponsible. Children would be drawn to the dangers of the river. There is also a deep canal. There have been deaths of unsuspecting visitors on the sand-flats in the past.

At the same time The Environment Agency is trying to kill off the traditional and famous salmon fishing in the river. There is currently an attempt to restrict salmon fishing by putcher baskets. Visitors are fascinated to see lath netters at work in The Severn. Do not let developers kill off our local traditions.

Education is reasonable in Lydney, but will need to be expanded and improved. A new primary school will be needed. Allowing the sale of some sports fields from Severnbank School for housing is sheer lunacy. Given the scale of housing being considered in Lydney then another secondary school will be necessary. I am opposed to further housing off Allaston Road.

There are already too many people for the transport system, the drainage and sewerage system, the schools and some leisure facilities. I am concerned about possible unsuitable drainage schemes from any large estate into the stream at the rear of Kimberley Drive, where flooding has already occured. Lakeside Avenue has also had flooding problems. 35 years ago when I was on Lydney

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 64 Town Council concerns were raised about the sewerage system from Templeway West being inadequate. However, sports facilities are generally good, with an indoor swimming pool and gym at Whitecross School. . I was instrumental in obtaining those, facilities along with Bill Hobman, and I was subsequently chairman of The Lydney Whitecross Leisure Centre for several years. The outdoor swimming pool still remains, in spite of erstwhile claims that it leaked! It has been well used this year. The Lydney Recreation Trust is invaluable, and an asset, giving numerous sports fields and facilities to the town. It was donated to the town by the late Lord Bledisloe. We have an excellent rugby team in its own grounds. There is a floodlit all-weather hockey pitch. Cycling is also catered for. The new golf course is coming along well, but is too far out of town.

There is more to health than medicine.

The Town Hall is also a great asset but could do with refurbishing. Loss of the old cinema on the corner of Forest Road is a shame. Coleford and Cinderford still have cinemas. The parks are excellent. Vandalism is currently minimal, but establishment of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes should be encouraged.I understand that the Youth Club at Lydney Community Centre was disbanded when funding was cut. At one time I was on the management committee of that youth club. I think it should be re-established. A Lydney Museum could be a tourist offering.

I came to Lydney originally because of the existence of Lydney Hospital, and the increased scope it gave to my work. It used to be a proper Community Hospital. Like all community Hospitals in Gloucestershire it has now become simply an outlier for the District General Hospitals, admitting patients largely from GRH who are often unsuitable, and seriously ill, not properly “worked up” by GRH, before being dumped often many miles from their relatives. In my view that is callous and cruel.My former partners resigned from the staff when I retired in April. They had taken over the whole of the inpatient workload when other local practices refused to take part in a shared admission rota. The workload at the hospital became too much. Doctors had already been squeezed out of the minor injury units, that subsidised the inpatient work. That is one reason why major hospital A&E Departments are bursting at the seams. Very poor out-of-hours care in the community is another. I did not mind working 24/7, but that evolved

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 65 eventually into a very effective co-op covering The Forest, and similar co-ops were developed in many other parts of the country as GPs strived to provide an effective out-of-hours service for their patients. A Government/PCT funding squeeze killed the co-ops, and what now remains is highly unsatisfactory. Firemen still have to take some calls because there are insufficient emergency ambulances. Increased ambulance provision will be necessary for large-scale housing or industrial development in Lydney.

Since April this year no less than 15% of ALL GPs in the Forest of Dean have retired early. I went in april a year earlier than planned.The system is crumbling through bureaucracy and tick-box medicine. Soon there will be no GPs left. Surgeries are having to rely on locum cover and part-time doctors. When I started as a GP we had to live in the practice area. Now many GPs live huge distances from their surgeries. That will make David Cameron’s ideas of 8am to 8pm surgeries 7 days a week so futile.

Severnbank surgery is very well designed and has 6 surgeries although one has been taken over by one of the two excellent practice nurses. There is currently a lot of spare capacity for more patients and doctors. Finding more doctors is the problem. Affording any new partners, even if they were there, is not possible. To compound things the RCGP is now trying to increase GP training by a year. Many young doctors are emigrating. This is “Cloud Cuckoo Land”! Clinical Commissioning Groups will in my view make the situation worse. Unfortunately most of the problems of the NHS are being caused by politicians’ stupidity. Lydney is currently a nice place to live, and I intend to stay. It could very easily be ruined, and could easily suffer from rapid expansion and become what I personally term “ASBO Land” as has happened in the low cost housing in Chepstow, where many problem families were rapidly re-housed from poor areas of South Wales with little thought. Balanced development of a range of well spaced, housing, meaningful employment opportunities established in parallel with any new housing, open recreational spaces, and superb transport facilities are vital for significant growth. I don’t want to see the equivalent of high rise tenements in the form of three or four storey blocks,ever again. Don’t let it happen in Lydney. Dentists, pharmacies, and vets are probably now adequate but pharmacists are in short supply like doctors.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 66 03/10/20 Christine good day . Included in NDP Harbour 13 Nutting I like the Harbour it is a place of peace ,a place you can walk and think sadly their are no toilet s to hand ,the 2 little buildings just before the sailing club would be ideal for this facility ,not moving into the sailing club grounds, making a little more of what you have ,a small R.L.N.I shop with refreshments would also be very nice ,

thinking of the young people ,you have no place for any child you adult to learn to do water sports in lydney ,just be for the Harbour their is a Lake possibly privet ,if you where to visit Poole park you would see they have introduced a sailing and rowing centre on one of its lakes ,small craft pay a small fee to sail toppers or their own rowing boats ,

the canal would make a good place for all to canoe ,row, or children practice sailing skills ,

we are lucky in our family having been sailing for some years now ,my children sail ,but our grand children have to be taken to the south cost or Essex ,the cost of fuel makes you think twice before traveling these days

03/10/20 Brian In the core plan it gave the impression that the housing developments would be Acknowledged 13 Shotter tied to the improving commercial situation. From that I deduced that the development to the east of the town had stopped at the initial stage to allow the commercial development of the town to catch up. The only movement that I can see is a solar unit going on Hurst Farm which in itself is unlikely to provide huge opportunity for employment.

The main thing that should be at the forefront of the plan is, in my opinion, to prevent Lydney from becoming even more of a dormitory town than it is. There needs to be a robust plan to attract employment to the town and in achieving those aims create a town in which people live work and play.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 67 03/10/20 Jeff Mowatt Thanks for the effort that went into last night’s presentation. One of my Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 interests is for local people to cycle safely between Parkend, Whitecroft and other nearby villages. 3 years ago a local resident campaign group was set up with the aim of lobbying for this cause after a considerable sum had been put into extending leisure routes. It was also an issue taken up by our parish and community plan group, which is also based on voluntary action. I’m glad to hear that something is now being actioned between Sustrans, the Forestry Commission and FODDC, but perhaps they might bring us into the loop to take account of local residents views.

03/10/20 Jim Baker Our bus service needs an overhaul, mainly to provide an alternative to using cars Included in NDP Highways 13 for shopping and linking up to the train service. I am always impressed by the service in Cornwall which takes in villages and is available until about 10 o’clock in the evening. Considering government policy on fuel consumption, its amazing that for foresters to visit Bristol we have to make a round trip via Gloucester when we could take a more direct route via Chepstow. The general argument is we have to get of in Chepstow (Wales) and start a new journey from (Wales) a through ticket would be an answer.

03/10/20 Jim Baker I agree with Mr Walker that a restaurant would be the first step, plus some Included in NDP Harbour 13 simple presentation effects of the area. A bus which would provide a round trip of the forest taking in places of interest. . 02/10/20 Bob Hi It is interesting that Lydney only now wish to really consult with the Included Points 3,4 5. 13 Freshwater surrounding areas when they think it will give them an advantage. Not Included Points 1, 2, 6 Moving on from that is some issues that are already in the pipe line.

1) Traffic lights – a waste of money in reality – use power and are on constantly. The only junction that would benefit from traffic signals is the Bream turn and that could have been addressed when Tesco’s was built. The Highfield junction is no issue and the Hams Road junction as bad as it is will be a nightmare if signals installed. It’s dangerous enough after the 20 MPH sign was placed almost on the junction, just were you get queing vehicles.

2) Cycling – Lydney have had no interest in this and when approached have

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 68 always walked away from any schemes. I am against any route that is called a cycleway as cyclists assume that they have the right of way over pedestrians who use them. They should be called something else. Whilst a link to Whitecroft would be great, the landscape is difficult and the Railway folk have always been anti. If this route went ahead then it should only be done in conjunction with a continuation to Parkend, which is relatively easy.

It is a mistake to assume that cyling brings in lots of tourists and money. I have never seen a bona fide survey to support this. It is in fact better to go for the “grey” tourist who stays in the area for more than one day (which is what a majority of cycling tourists do – I have seen a survey about this).

3) Public transport – this will never get any better as people are put off using the public services. Stagecoach need to offer a better service which guarentees that the vehicles will not overheat and breakdown regulary. The local buses are excellent and these should be supported.

4) Shops – Lydney needs to keep people local to the town centre or it will die. Any large store on the edges of the town will kill the town and the Co-op will no doubt close. Store design is also an issue – just look at the Tesco store to see how aweful a building can look in a rural environment.

5) Carparks – Paying for car parks puts people off staying as they have to guess how long they will be. Yellow lines are also a sign that you don’t want people in towns. Vehicle integration in Lydney was good until the car park charges kicked in.

6) Employment – the Forest will never attract big industry as motorway links are non-existant. We need to go up market and use technology whilst supporting the small businesses and lone traders we already have. 02/10/20 Miss Bagley I agree with Mr Walker. If the harbour is to be more attractive to visitors, there Included in NDP Harbour 13 must be at least minimal facilities, including toilets and food/drink provision. If the area is to be developed for residential accommodation, care should be taken to ensure it does not turn the harbour into an elitist location.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 69 02/10/20 Shauna Please could a cycle path be opened to connect Forest Road with the back of the Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 Gwynne CoOp (where the old scout hut used to be). It wouldn’t take much effort to organise and would mean that cyclists would not have to negotiate the junction by the Sawn Hotel. Please could we have an official policy of not supporting out- of-town supermarkets. It’s a well established fact that such developements suck trade away from town centres, damaging existing small shops. Please could something be done about cars parking on the cycle lane in Church Road. On most days cars can be seen obstructing the cycle lane and the problem is particularily bad on Sundays when services are held at St Mary’s Church. OK I understand they are using the church, but that doesn’t make it ok to endanger cyclists. Please could something be done about the parking signs on Forest Road, near the junction. Double yellow lines mean ‘No waiting at any time’, yet the small signs on the lamp-posts allow parking after 6.30pm. This is an anomaly which results in motorists parking dangerously in the evenings whilst using the take-away shops. The Draft states that “Currently cycle access from Lydney to the Forest is via narrow and dangerous highways. The geography of the Forest makes finding a reasonably flat cycle route difficult.”

Geography is not a problem; there is a perfectly flat and straight route alongside the Dean Forest Railway track. Quite possibly there are factors which make using this route difficult, but geography isn’t one of them.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 70 28/11/20 Mr & Mrs REPLY - Thank you for taking the time to respond. I too, have made objections to Outside remit of outside remit of NDP 13 Stevens previous planning applications. I am concerned that the plan seems to be NDP - decision already referring to another 200 houses on top of the hundreds and hundreds already made by LPA planned for. I commute to Bristol and due to congestion now have to travel by train. People are deeply, deeply concerned about traffic congestion. When the 2000 plus houses are built, the only way in and out of the area will be by train as the roads will be gridlocked. Unfortunately the train won’t be an ideal solution either, due to the limited number of trains and parking. There are no direct trains to Bristol and you have to wait 20 minutes at junction for the few trains that stop at Lydney. Severn Tunnel is an unmanned station with no facilities and as a single female not a pleasant place to wait in the dark. Only a week or so ago, the train out of Bristol was late. I arrived at Severn Tunnel at 6.40 and had to wait an hour and a half for the next train to Lydney. It took me 3 hours to get home. This isn’t a viable option and I would like to know who is the person nominated to ensure that additional trains and facilities for Lydney actually happen.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 71 04/12/20 Janine I am writing to make comments about Lydney's draft Neighbourhood Limitied Inclusion Housing 13 Michael Development Plan on behalf of Dean Community Energy Group (DCEG). Please in NDP. Reffer could you respond to this email to confirm receipt. further discussion DCEG is a group of Forest of Dean residents who are concerned about climate to Town Council change and want to help to reduce our community's carbon emissions by increasing our self-sufficiency in energy. Our comments on the draft NDP relate specifically to energy issues, since this is the subject area represented by our group and is the area where our members bring particular knowledge and expertise.

1. Firstly, we support Lydney Town Council in its efforts to impose higher energy standards for new developments due to be built in the area, particularly the emphasis on encouraging the highest standards of energy efficiency and the incorporation of low carbon and renewable energy technologies. However, we would point out that whatever is achieved in this regard will do no more than offset the extra energy demand resulting from the addition of these homes to the town. It won’t help reduce or offset the current energy demand of existing homes and buildings in Lydney. An old home typically uses much more energy than a new one. So, it’s not enough to have an energy efficiency policy for new development as the only energy and carbon reduction policy included within the NDP.

2. We recommend complete removal of the reference to resistance of renewable energy schemes that are highly visible (under P1/11 page 37). This comes across as a particularly negative policy. Most building integrated renewable energy systems as well as solar farms and wind turbines are inherently visible. There is no reason why renewable energy schemes should be expected to be invisible when any other type of development (housing, buildings, infra-structure) is not. It is also an unnecessary statement since visual impact is something that is formally assessed as part of every individual planning application.

3. We would encourage introduction of a more positive statement supporting renewable energy schemes that bring greater local/community benefits. (e.g. We will particularly welcome renewable energy developments that have a strong community benefit and offer income the Lydney community). Like all

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 72 local communities over the next decade Lydney is likely to be subject to a range of planning applications for development of renewable energy infrastructure schemes. These are likely to vary considerably in terms of the income and investment opportunities they offer local people. The NDP represents a unique opportunity for Lydney to shape and benefit from successful schemes by supporting schemes which offer stronger local benefits.

4. We call for removal of reference to Lydney Town Council's draft renewable energy policy. This policy is still in draft, a working group is being set up to revise it and people shouldn't be ask to vote on something that has not yet been finalised.

5. Finally we would recommend inclusion of a completely separate policy or statement or intent to encourage the improvement of energy efficiency standards of existing homes and buildings in Lydney (not just energy standards of new development). This is realistic and possible through supporting local home energy efficiency schemes and businesses, many of whom with council endorsement could lever external investment for grants and discounts towards local insulation measures.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft NDP. We look forward to seeing the revised document.

20/11/20 Coal Thank you for the letter which we received on the 7th October 2013 consulting Acknowledged 13 Authority The Coal Authority on the above.

The Coal Authority is a non-departmental public body which works to protect the public and the environment in coal mining areas. Our statutory role in the planning system is to provide advice about new development in the coalfield areas to ensure that it is designed and built safely and also protect coal resources from unnecessary sterilisation by encouraging their extraction, where practical, prior to the permanent surface development commencing.

As you will be aware Lydney still lies within the defined coalfield. The surface coal resources lie within the forest areas in the north western part of the plan area and also the north eastern side around Soilwell Farm. As these areas lie within the open countryside this Neighbourhood Development Plan is not

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 73 proposing development. This means that the surface coal resources are unlikely to be sterilised by development which is built on top of them and thereby prevent access into them from surface downwards.

In terms of the legacy of coal mining, there is a long history of mining activity within the wider Forest of Dean. Within the Lydney Neighbourhood Plan area there are approximately 166 recorded mine entries, areas of actual shallow coal working and also areas of probable historic shallow coal working prior to 1870s, coal outcrops which rise to the surface and the Coal Authority has been called out to respond to 12 surface hazards. These features can be seen on our website through an interactive map viewer by selecting the ‘professional’ layer of data and then the different risks can be switched on and off. The Coal Authority has previously supplied this information to Forest of Dean District Council to assist the preparation of the district wide development plan documents and the determination of planning applications.

The historic coal mining activity needs to be afforded due consideration in the location and then subsequent design, layout and eventual construction of the new development. Historic coal mining features have the potential to be disturbed during new development and consequently can affect land stability and public safety.

The coal mining legacy is concentrated in the north west and north east of the Lydney Neighbourhood Plan area. The draft neighbourhood plan does not identify the presence of this recorded coal mining legacy. However, as there is no proposed development within this area then The Coal Authority has no specific comments.

In accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 please continue to consult The Coal Authority on planning matters using the specific email address of [email protected]

The Coal Authority wishes the Town Council every success with the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 74 27/11/20 Environment Thank you for consulting us on the above document received on 9 October 2013. Included in NDP Various 13 Agency We are grateful for allowing us a deadline extension.

Background

It is noted that the Lydney Area Action Plan (LAAP) was withdrawn on 24 May 2013 and detailed planning proposals for Lydney are instead being pursued through the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan (LYDNDP) and Forest of Dean District Council’s (FoDDC) Allocations Development Plan Document (ADPD).

We have previously been involved in the preparation of the LAAP and its associated Sustainability Appraisal (SA) whereby we provided advice to FoDDC on environmental issues including Flood Risk, Land Contamination, Biodiversity and Water Quality. I have attached a copy of our responses to the LAAP and its SA along with this letter (Appendix One).

It is noted that Lydney Neighbourhood Area envelops the former LAAP area and is subject to the same environmental constraints. These are described below:

Environmental Constraints Flood Risk

Our flood maps show that large areas of Lydney and land along the estuary are affected by a high level of flood risk (defined as Flood Zone 3) associated with tidal flooding from the Severn estuary and fluvial flooding associated with the River Lyd, Plummers Brook and other unnamed watercourses in the area.

The extent of our flood zones are shown on the map attached with this letter. Please note that the flood zones do not take into account the effect of flood defences in the area but rather show the predicted extent of flooding if the defences were not in place.

Pollution risks to controlled waters Lydney is situated on the St Maughans Formation which in places is overlain by sands and gravels. These strata are classified as Secondary A aquifers which

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 75 means they are permeable layers capable of supporting water supplies at a local rather than strategic scale, and in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers. This groundwater resource is potentially vulnerable to pollution. There are not however any Source Protection Zones affecting the area.

Lydney has an industrial history and it is considered that there are pockets of contaminated land around the area. This may pose a pollution risk to groundwater.

The Water Framework Directive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to prevent deterioration in the status of aquatic ecosystems, protect them and improve the ecological condition of waters. Planning authorities have a duty under the WFD to take account of the River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and can help deliver WFD objectives. Planning policies and activities can ensure that new development does not create adverse pressures on the water environment that could compromise our ability to meet WFD objectives.

In this instance the area contains the Cannop Brook water body which has an ecological status of moderate. The WFD aims to achieve ‘good’ status for this water body by 2027.

It is suggested that the Council considers incorporating the above environmental constraints into the ‘Lydney Today’ section of the plan.

The Adopted Core Strategy for Forest of Dean District

In addition to having regard to national planning policy it is a requirement for a Neighbourhood Development Plan to be in general conformity with strategic policies in the development plan for the local area, which is in this instance Forest of Dean District Council’s Adopted Core Strategy (CS).

Policies within the CS relating to our remit include the following:

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 76 Policy CSP.1

This policy requires consideration of environmental matters in the design and construction of development. It includes provisions relating to flood risk, land contamination, pollution prevention and the protection of controlled waters.

Policy CSP.2

This policy relates to climate change adaptation and includes water management measures including flood risk, sustainable drainage and water efficiency. It also provides biodiversity considerations including supporting enhancements in this respect and providing green infrastructure.

Policies CSP.12 and CSP.13 are also of specific relevance to Lydney and set out the development needs of the town over the plan period.

The policies referred to above set out the strategic environmental policy framework that the LYDNDP should conform to.

LYDNDP Policies

We have the following comments to make in relation to the policies within the LNDP.

LYDNDP1/4 – Housing/Retail/Employment Land Densities

This policy aims to support policies CSP12 and CSP13 of the CS and it is understood that detailed proposals for the developments referred to in the policy are being pursued through the ADPD currently being prepared by FoDDC. We would expect FoDDC to consult us on the draft ADPD and this will provide us with an opportunity to provide detailed advice in relation to the site allocations.

It is however noted at this stage that Lydney Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) finds that all of the proposed site allocations shown at page 23 of the LYDNDP are located in Flood Zone 1 and are therefore at a low risk of flooding. We recommend that the Town Council reviews the Level 2 SFRA for

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 77 Lydney for further information.

It is also considered that, given the Town’s industrial history and its location on a Secondary A aquifer, that the development of the site allocations may pose a pollution risk to groundwater. It is considered that this may need to be explored through the submission of appropriate risk assessments and site investigations as part of any planning applications in respect of the allocations.

Furthermore, the development of the sites along the River Lyd must have regard to the less than good ecological status of this water body under the WFD (referred to as the Cannop Brook waterbody under the Directive). The detailed policy proposals for these sites should at a minimum ensure that the developments result in no deterioration of the ecological status of the waterbody and should ideally seek to improve its status (the WFD aim is to achieve ‘good’ status by 2027). Possible ways to achieve this include well designed SuDS incorporating pollution prevention measures and appropriate risk assessments and remediation in respect of any land contamination.

We will explore the above matters in more detail in response to a consultation on the ADPD.

LYDNDP1/4 – Burial Provision

As previously noted much of Lydney is located on a Secondary A Aquifer. The burial of corpses in cemeteries, and their subsequent degradation, may potentially cause pollution of groundwater.

We will only agree to proposals for new cemeteries if the risk to groundwater is acceptable. Appropriate engineering design (based on site investigation) and long-term monitoring are likely to be needed. Our position statements within our guidance document entitled ‘Groundwater protection: Principles and practice (GP3)’ (available at http://www.environment- agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/144346.aspx) aim to manage the increased risk to vulnerable groundwater of such developments. We expect operators of cemeteries to take appropriate measures to manage their sites to

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 78 ensure they do not cause unacceptable discharges.

The relevant position statements are as follows:

L1 – Siting cemeteries close to a water supply used for human consumption We will object to the siting of any new cemetery or the extension of any existing cemetery, within Source Protection Zone 1, or 250 metres from a well, borehole or spring used to supply water that is used for human consumption, whichever is the greater distance.

L3 - Cemeteries: Protecting groundwater in highly sensitive locations We will apply a risk-based approach to assessing the suitability of sites outside of the zones noted in our position statement L1. We will place a high priority on protecting groundwater within principal aquifers and groundwater catchments for drinking water supply. We will seek to avoid new cemetery developments for greater than 100 graves in these high vulnerability areas except where the thickness and nature of the unsaturated zone, or the impermeable formations beneath the site protect groundwater, or the long-term risk is mitigated by appropriate engineering methods.

All cemetery developments and burials must maintain an unsaturated zone below the level of the base of the grave(s).

Our document entitled ‘Assessing the Groundwater Pollution Potential of Cemetery Developments’ (available to download on our website https://publications.environment- agency.gov.uk/skeleton/publications/SearchResults.aspx?name=SCHO0404BGLA -e-e) advocates a three-tiered approach to assessing the risks from cemeteries or potential cemetery sites.

It is considered that, due to Lydney being situated upon a Secondary A Aquifer, as a minimum a Tier 1 Risk Assessment should be made in relation to potential cemetery sites. This is essentially a desk-study stage, where a preliminary site assessment should take place, using all readily available information. An assessment of the hazard(s) should be made, potential pathways and receptors should be identified and reviewed, and a qualitative assessment undertaken of

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 79 the significance of the risks posed.

It is recommended that the above requirements are made clear in LYDNDP1/8. It is suggested that the policy wording is updated to include:

“Sites will be assessed for their potential to pollute groundwater. Applications should be accompanied by an appropriate risk assessment”

It is also suggested that the reasoned justification for the policy is updated to refer potential applicants to the town’s hydro-geological setting (as detailed in the Environmental Constraints section of this letter) and to our guidance documents set out above.

LYDNDP1/12 – Surface Urban Drainage (SUDs)

The term ‘SuDS’ stands for ‘Sustainable Drainage Systems’ and not Surface Urban Drainage. It is suggested that this is amended accordingly.

It is considered that this policy provides an appropriate place to refer to the flooding issues in the town and provide policy provisions to manage flood risk. It is also considered that WFD issues could be addressed here along with general water related sustainability issues such as water conservation. It is therefore suggested that the policy is renamed ‘Water Management’ and incorporates flood risk, SuDS, WFD and conservation requirements.

With regard to flood risk, it is suggested that the LYDNDP has regard to the Development Control advice at section 6.3 of the Level 2 SFRA for Lydney. It is suggested that reference is made to the document in policy LYDNDP1/12. It is suggested that the following wording could be added to the policy:

“When considering proposals in locations at risk of flooding the Council will, where appropriate, seek to avoid flood risk in the first instance by requiring applicants to demonstrate that there are no suitable sites for the development in areas with a lower risk of flooding. Where this is shown not to be possible proposals should be supported by an appropriate assessment of flood risk from all sources and should demonstrate that they will not increase the risk of

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 80 flooding elsewhere. The predicted effects of climate change on peak river flows and rainfall intensity should form an integral part of the assessment.”

With regard to SuDS proposals, these can bring multiple benefits. In addition to helping to reduce flood risk, they can also help to improve the quality of water entering the watercourse, provide ecological benefits, help areas adapt to climate change and can significantly contribute to the quality of a development through their amenity, biodiversity and social benefits – helping to create attractive places, which can increase the value of properties and encourage people to use the outside space.

Lydney is very vulnerable to increases in surface water run-off due to the rapid responding nature of the catchment, and the small urbanised nature of some of the watercourses. Furthermore, as noted above Lydney has an industrial history with the potential for sites to be contaminated; the area is vulnerable to groundwater pollution due to its hydro-geological setting; and the ecological status of the River Lyd requires improvement under the WFD. All of these factors lend support to the need for a robust SuDS policy for Lydney.

It is recommended that the SuDS policy within the plan follows the SuDS management train concept. This involves the following hierarchical approach to the management of surface water:

1. Prevention - the use of good site design and site housekeeping measures to prevent runoff and pollution, and rainwater re-use harvesting. Following prevention. 2. Source Control – control of run off at or near its source (e.g. soakaways, other infiltration measures, green roofs, pervious pavements). 3. Site Control – management of water in a local area or site (e.g. routing water from building roofs and car parks to large soakaway, infiltration of detention basin). 4. Regional Control – management of run-off from a site or several sites, typically in a balancing pond or wetland.

Surface water runoff need not pass through all the stages in the management train. It could flow straight to a site control, but as a general principle it is better

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 81 to deal with runoff locally, returning the water to the natural drainage system as near to the source as possible. Only if the water cannot be managed on site should it be conveyed elsewhere. This may be due to the water requiring additional treatment before disposal or the quantities of runoff generated being greater than the capacity of the natural drainage system at that point.

The SuDS methods appropriate for a development will vary according to its scale and nature and the characteristics of the site setting.

It is recommended that the local water management characteristics and the SuDS management train concept described above are explained in the Reasoned Justification for this policy.

It is also recommended that Policy LYDNDP 1/12 is revised to include the following suggested wording:

“All development proposals must make adequate provision to manage surface water sustainably through the use of SuDS. The appropriate SuDS method(s) will vary depending on the characteristics of the site and the proposed development but all proposals should follow the SuDS management train hierarchy of prevention, source control, site control, regional control. Where relevant, proposals should have regard to land contamination issues and the status of the receiving waterbody under the Water Framework Directive.”

It is recommend that the Town Council consults with the Lead Local Flood Authority (Gloucestershire County Council) and FoDDC’s Land Drainage Officer in relation to SuDS proposals.

In addition to the flood risk and sustainable drainage issues set out above, good water management should also be focused on water conservation. Water conservation measures in new developments will not only save homes and businesses money but will also help to protect drinking water resources, reduce the need for expensive water supply and waste water treatment facilities, minimise water pollution and help to maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems. It is suggested that the Council considers including provision within this policy to support developments that incorporate water conservation measures. The

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 82 Water provisions within the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM standards provide useful guidelines in this respect.

LYDNDP3/1 – Protecting the natural environment and its Eco/Bio-Diversity

It is recommended that the Town Council consults with Natural England and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust for advice in relation to biodiversity issues.

We would advise that this policy should not just be focused on protection but should also seek to enhance biodiversity and the natural environment.

We would recommend that the Town Council has regard to the ‘Biodiversity and Geodiversity’ section within our letter dated 6 August 2010 in response to the LAAP SA (attached with this letter). This provides useful information in relation to the biodiversity resources within the town including the River Lyd, the Severn estuary, the canal and The Cut.

Conclusion

In conclusion we would advise that incorporating the above measures within the LYDNDP would make for a sustainable plan that seeks to address local environmental issues in accordance with local and national planning policy. We also consider that the recommended policy measures in this letter will offer clarity and certainty to prospective developers and help to deliver high quality, sustainable developments in the town.

We would be happy to discuss this letter with you in more detail and we would welcome consultation on the future stages of the plan. 11/11/20 Highways Thank you for providing the Highways Agency with the opportunity to comment Included in NDP Various 13 Agency on the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan. The Agency is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the Strategic Road Network (SRN) so it is on the basis of these responsibilities that the comments that follow in this letter have been made. Whilst none of the SRN is located in the area covered by the plan, there is still the potential for the development plan to impact on it. The Agency is keen to ensure that the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) takes account of the need for transport and land use planning to be closely

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 83 integrated and that the principles of sustainable travel are reflected throughout. Our comments on the parts of the documents which are relevant in this context are as follows: Introduction The Agency acknowledges the purpose and weight carried by the document as part of the LDF and welcomes ‘the provision of an economic and socially sustainable vision for the future of the town’ and the intention to ‘sustainably support the local population which is expected to grow’. We note that an evidence base is also being collated which will lend support to the Plan when it is finally submitted. An evidence based approach is imperative, and moving forward it is important to be able to show that the content of the Plan is based on this. Compliance with the more strategic policies of the NPPF and also the Forest of Dean’s Core Strategy and allocations, embracing the same vision, is also critical to ensuring that the NDP is ‘sound’. Vision for Lydney The Agency supports the general themes of the vision for Lydney. Of particular interest are the efforts being made to make the town more walkable and cycle friendly which will assist in reducing the need to travel by private car. We also support the expansion of local bus services and bus connections to the railway station. Given the distance from the SRN, the improvements to the highways in Lydney are generally a matter for Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) so we would not wish to comment on the specifics of these. The Agency would however support the objectives relating to the improvements to the rail and bus services in the town, and where necessary as a statutory consultee, will be consulted on planning applications for development as appropriate. We acknowledge the vision for new development including an additional 1900 homes by 2026 plus a further 200 dwellings in the Core Strategy, 30 hectares of employment land, 600sqm of retail within the town centre and a new health hub as well as new and improved connections in and around the town and open spaces. Whilst we would not wish to comment specifically on the location for this development given the distance from the SRN, in line with national and local policies, any applications for development which would potentially have a traffic impact would need to be supported by a robust transport evidence base, clearly demonstrating the impacts of any proposals.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 84 LYDNDP2/1 Roads, Rail and Footpaths/Cycle Routes We support the general principles of this policy, seeking to ensure that everyone in Lydney has safe and accessible paths/footways/cycle routes which in turn link existing and future developments to both the town centre retail and sporting/social networking facilities, reducing the need to travel by private car. We would also support the measures required to ensure that the mainline railway station just outside of the town centre is able to provide an efficient and useful means of transport by making it as accessible as possible. We welcome the requirement for developers of multiple housing and commercial/retail employment sites to make a contribution to Highway, Pedestrian and Cycle Community Infrastructure through S106/CIL contributions in line with local and national planning policy. It is important that developers, where necessary, make a contribution to improving and mitigating issues that arise through development. LYDNDP2/2 Improvements to the Highway Infrastructure We recognise that the identified transport improvements are on GCC’s network and some distance from the SRN. We would generally support the provision of these highway improvements through developer contributions and would as always, in line with national and local planning policy, require applications for development that will potentially have a traffic impact be accompanied by a robust transport evidence base so that any impacts can be assessed and mitigated against as necessary. Conclusions As iterated throughout this response, all developments likely to have a traffic impact on the network will need to be supported by a Transport Assessment/Statement and where necessary a Travel Plan and would be reviewed against the requirements of the Agency’s policy document entitled ‘’The Strategic Road Network and the Delivery of Sustainable Development’’. The comments in this response do not prejudice any future responses on site specific matters and The Agency would request that we are consulted at an early stage on development sites that come forward. In the meantime should you wish to discuss the above, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 85 21/11/20 Bob Turner Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan – Comments from Bob Turner Included In NDP Various 13 Education Reduce children travelling out of the area for basic education ‘A’ level courses at Dean Academy Encourage more children to walk/cycle to school Encourage local companies to employ apprentices

Health A&E at Lydney Hospital Doctor’s surgery’s open evenings and Saturday mornings Increase variety of period health checks at Lydney Hospital (to avoid travelling to Gloucester/)

Town Centre Regeneration Remove parking charges More roadside parking by reducing width of some wide pavements eg Templeway (for Town Hall), Church Road (by Cemetery), Whitecross Road (for Bathurst Park) Remove 20mph limit through complete town and only have smaller area around schools. Do not pedestrianise Newerne Street Regenerate Newerne Street around River /car to make better visual use of River Lyd A ‘one-stop-shop’ to major service providers (Lydney Town Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Glos County Council, Police, transport providers) Designated coach parking for visiting groups Toilets as Lydney Bus Station

Environment Lydney Town Council and many shops display attractive flowers in the summer but more could be done to ‘tidy’ the town. Improve area around River Lyd and cut passes through the town – more regular cleaning/weeding Put pressure on owners of ‘Green Spaces’ adjacent to main road through town to be more tidier e.g. library garden/British Legion Garden/Dean Forest Railway at level crossings

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 86 Are the trees opposite the library safe? Bring land between lake and bypass into the Trust ground ‘ownership’ landscape and use for regeneration More regular cleaning of the ‘Cut’ through the Trust ground area – also improve lighting Make use of various ‘flows’ of water to generate electricity eg Norchard Centre/Lydney Docks Off-road path/cycle track to/from Parkend for school children and workers/shoppers in Lydney

Leisure and Sports For the size of the town I believe Lydney is well provided – thanks to the Bledisloe & Watts families and the many volunteers However at times some groups will need organisation and financial support

Transport I know there are currently diversions taking place regarding improvements at Lydney Railway Station including, I hope, a safe crossing for passengers and a larger car park In the last five years usage of the train services has increased over 100% A minimum of an hourly rail service in each direction with better connections at Severn Tunnels Junction for Bristol Improved local integrated bus service to include the trading estate/Railway Station/Hospital/new housing estate and new supermarkets Improve local services to local villages with no post office or shop (eg Aylburton/Alvington etc)

Economic Growth I believe only one more supermarket is needed A minimum 60 room hotel, say, off the bypass, large enough to accommodate a coach party No more industrial units on new developments. Lydney is well serviced by the current industrial estate (many units are empty) Encourage a new company employing 150+ eg car centre/network centre/food producer

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 87 Harbour Should be Lydney's main tourist attraction Short term improvements: toilets and cafe facilities and improve heritage visuals Clean/dredge canal and drastically clear banks Many various cost related ideas for future development Ref Bill Hobman’s plans Possible boats trips along length of canal Understand new owner’s plans for the Pin End works and its future within the docks development

Other tourism related attractions Dean Forest Railway: - Keep supporting but request they participate in the regeneration by tidying their line side land by removing railway trucks/carriages they will never use - Repair /reopen ‘iron bridge’ public footpath

Taurus Crafts - Keep supporting any possible developments Lydney Park Estate - Roman remains/Bledisloe museum – encourage more open days - Naas House – another possible attraction near to docks.

I wrote the above thoughts/wish list prior to the latest plan delivered this week. I had intended to discuss my thoughts and hand them in at the meeting arranged for Wednesday 20th July at the Community Centre only to find it was cancelled.

I agree with most of the plan except: No new industrial units on any new housing estates. We currently have the large industrial estate, Watts site (Church Road) and Lydney Park Estate with many empty units and space for more units.

Also show railway station and Dean Forest Railway on the map. Bob Turner 21st November 2013

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 88 19/11/20 Network Rail Dear Sir or Madam, Included in NDP Highways 13 Re: Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan – Statutory Consultee Consultation

We write with regards to the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan, published for statutory consultee consultation by Lydney Town Council and the NDP Community Steering Group. Thank you for providing Network Rail with the opportunity to comment on the draft document.

Network Rail is the statutory undertaker responsible for maintaining and operating the county’s railway infrastructure and associated estate. It owns, operate maintains and develops the main rail network. The preparation of planning policy is important in relation to the protection and enhancement of Network Rail’s infrastructure. In addition to its operational function Network Rail has specific land interest which where relevant it would seek to promote through the policy making process.

Lydney Railway Station falls within the designated area of the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan. Therefore, Network Rail, has an interest in the development plan in the context of the operation of the station and associated rail infrastructure and its wider land interests in the vicinity of the station. We set out our comments in the context of Network Rail’s interest below.

Preparation of Lydney Station Masterplan Network Rail is currently preparing a masterplan for the station area to guide its development in the short, medium and long term. Members of the Lydney Town Council and the NDP Community Steering Group have been engaged in this process, as have other relevant parties such as officers from the Forest of Dean District Council.

The initial concept proposal provides new and improved rail facilities, new station car parks with increased capacity, residential development, improved pedestrian and cycle links and a potential gateway park and ride to provide integrates links between the station, harbour, town centre and the wider area.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 89 Therefore, Network Rail is seeking to promote these proposals in any forthcoming policy designations.

Neighbourhood Plan Designations Page 23 of the Draft Neighbourhood Plan provides a map illustrating the proposed and allocated building in Lydney. This map allocated the area of the station as ‘Protected Outdoor Recreation Space’ and ‘Key Wildlife Site’. Network Rail strongly resists these allocations.

The triangle of land between the station and mainline, DFR railway line and Station Road comprises car parks, utilised by railway customers; and land in commercial use, which is leased to a range of tenants. This land is fully developed with limited vegetation and no publicly accessible open space. Given the master planning proposals described above Network Rail seeks the allocation of the site for mixed use development which includes operational railway use, railway car parking, commercial and residential uses. This will provide flexibility and open up opportunities to improve links between the station and the wider Lydney area.

Specific Neighbourhood Development Plan Policies In terms of policies included within the Neighbourhood Plan we comment on those of specific relevance to the railways below:

Policy LYDNDP 2/1 – Roads, Rail and Footpaths/Cycle Routes: this notes the mainline railway station is 1:25 miles from the town centre. Three priorities are identified for the improvement of the facilities: 1. Effective bus services between station, town centre and residential areas 2. Additional cycle and pedestrian routes: and 3. Additional car parking to cope with the proposed population increase and consideration given to erecting a pedestrian footbridge to ensure public safety when access the southern line. Network Rail supports improved rail facilities and will facilitate improvements at Lydney Railway Station if and when funds become available. The gateway park and ride facility and potential cycle routes included within the master planning concept plans would fully support the objective of creating integrated bus, cycle and pedestrian routes at the station. Therefore, we would like to emphasise

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 90 again the benefit of incorporating Network Rail’s master planning proposals into the Neighbourhood Plan.

If you have any queries regarding the above information or require further information please do not hesitate to contact either Emma Walker or myself. Lydia Whitaker Town Planner 25/11/20 English Dear Sir or Madam, Included in NDP Various 13 Heritage, Neighbourhood Plan for Lydney David Stuart Thank you for consulting English Heritage about your Neighbourhood Plan. (Historic Our apologies for not being able to submit this response by your deadline of Places 20th of November but we hope that its contents can still be accommodated Adviser) within your plan preparation process. The area covered by your Neighbourhood Plan (NP) falls within the boundary of the Lydney Conservation Area and includes a number of important designated heritage assets including Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments. In line with national planning policy, it will be important that the strategy for this area safeguards those elements which contribute to the significance of these assets so that they can be enjoyed by future generations of the area. English Heritage fully recognises that the neighbourhood planning process is a locally-led initiative and communities will shape their own neighbourhood plan as informed by the issue and opportunities they are most concerned about and relevant to the local area. There are now over 600 Neighbourhood Areas and many are reaching a stage where draft Neighbourhood Plans have been prepared and are going out to consultation. English Heritage is consulted on most if not all of these, in response to the need to consult us where our interests are likely to be affected and as recognition of the fact that most areas have heritage assets of national significance. Our advice therefore concentrates on highlighting to communities how their local heritage can underpin, and assist in the formulation of, sustainable strategies for their areas, and how proposals in turn may be able to help address heritage issues which exist. English Heritage has produced a number of documents which your community might find helpful in helping to identify what it is about your area which makes it distinctive and how you might go about ensuring that the character of the area is retained. These can be found at:-

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 91 www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/get-involved/improving-your- neighbourhood As we have not previously has an opportunity to advise the Lydney community in the preparation of its Plan I have also attached a list of websites as an appendix to this letter which may be useful should sourcing further information be desired. We are aware that the decision was taken earlier this year to terminate the production of an Area Action Plan (AAP) for Lydney in view of the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan. In our previous response in 2013 to Forest of Dean District Council on the Scoping Report to the AAP we highlight the nature and scope of our interested in the area and in that the stated intention is that material gathered for the AAP will be used to advance the Neighbourhood Plan (and Allocation Development Plan Document (ADPD)) it is perhaps useful to restate some of the comments made by us at the time. We are especially interested in those parts of the town that fall within the designated scheduled Ancient Monument area at Lydney Harbour and the two distinctive Conservation Areas centred on the town centre and Bathurst Park and the church and its precincts. The harbour is At Risk on our national Heritage At Risk Register and St. Mary’s Church is a particularly significant heritage asset being special not only as an historic building but also as an important landmark within this urban context. We are, therefore supportive of aspirations to improve the connectivity between these areas. We would strongly highlight the positive role that the historic environment can make towards achieving a successful and vibrant town centre as well as the need to safeguard its heritage assets and those of the Plan area generally. We would reiterate the need to be cognizant of the historic environment and how this might influence and enhance routes and spaces in achieving town centre objectives. The “Streets for All” Manual exists to guide and advice on the most appropriate methods of securing high quality public realm without detriment to the historic environment. This is especially helpful in terms of any highway improvements that may form part of the Plan’s proposals and can be used as part of its evidence base (www.helm.org.uk/place-and- placemaking/streets -for-all). In this latter respect, the Draft Baseline Report dated 31st January 2011 prepared to assist in the production of the AAP contains a useful thesis of the

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 92 built heritage of the area and in conjunction with the Conservation Area Appraisal can help inform the process of positive change and identify issues and potential for enhancement which the Plan could address. In terms of detailed comments to make regarding your plan:- 1. We applaud the positive reference to the area’s heritage, the recognition of its role in underpinning local character together with its potential to reinforce and develop the area’s Unique Selling Point. It will be important to make sure that proposals likely to affect heritage assets have taken account of their significance and the provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which promote the desirability of development sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets, and new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness. In this respect, particular consideration will need to be given to proposals affecting the Harbour. 2. We support the revitalisation of the town centre as this will help ensure that it remains a viable entity and best able to maintain and safeguard its estate of historic fabric. We note that the Core Strategy identifies an additional 600m2 of retail provision within the town centre and that within the Plan’s list of objectives redevelopment of key (brownfield) sites is advocated to encourage new large scale stores. There is much debate at present about the future of traditional town centres and it will be important to ensure that retail policy is future proofed to allow for changes in trend and activity which the town centre may need to respond to. We have recently published information on retailing in historic areas and this can be downloaded from our website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/changing-face-high-street-decline- revival/ It will also be necessary to ensure that larger footprint development can be sensitively accommodated without causing undue harm to heritage assets. 3. CIL/S106. Reference is made to the use of these provisions to secure improvements to the town centre (policy LYDNDP 1/5). We would encourage broadest consideration of how these can be used to effect enhancements, particularly to heritage assets (for example the Harbour). The preparation of a Conservation Area Management Plan would also help provide a framework for identifying and prioritising enhancement objectives. 4. Policy LYDNDP 3/2 is titled “Protecting Lydney’s Conservation Area”. This seems an unduly narrow scoping of the area’s heritage and inconsistent with the

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 93 broad accompanying policy for the natural environment (LYDNDP 3/1). The text within the policy refers to other forms of heritage asset suggesting that its intention is not to be restricted to conservation areas only we would recommend that this ambiguity is addressed. We note too that within the policy reference is made to materials and street furniture and would query whether this is an accurate reflection of the full range of issues in need of built environment policy provision. It may be useful to consider whether to advocate a more holistic policy approach to public realm protection, management and design which includes street furniture, landscaping and highways, and a separate provision for development affecting buildings. 5. If you have not already done so, we would recommend that you speak to the planning team and historic buildings conservation officer at Forest of Dean District Council together with the staff at the County Council who look after the Historic Environment Record and give advice on archaeological matters. They should be able to provide details of the designated heritage assets in the area together with locally-important buildings, archaeological remains and landscapes. Some of the Historic Environment Records may also be available on- line via the Heritage Gateway (www.heritagegateway.org.uk). It may also be useful to involve local voluntary groups such as the local Civic Society or local historic groups in the production of your Neighbourhood Plan. If you have any queries about this matter or would like to discuss anything further please do not hesitate to contact me.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 94 20/11/20 Cinderford Dear Sir/Madam, Acknowledged 13 Town Thank you for the copy of your Lydney NDP, which has now been discussed by Council, my Members. Lynda The members were very surprised to see a photograph of the Dilke Hospital Thomas included on page 13 of the Plan, as this of course is in Cinderford Parish, and Town Clerk should have no part in the Lydney Plan, and should be removed from this Plan. I look forward to hearing from you that this is in fact will be removed. Likewise, my members have very strong concerns with the statements contained within LYDNDP 4/1 for future Healthcare Provision. As you are well aware, there are currently two hospitals serving very different parts of the Forest, and the provision of a health hub would no doubt see a reduction in service, appointments etc. at one of these facilities. Any discussion of a health hub should be in consultation with the NHS and a central location for the whole of the forest would need to be found; we do not believe this would be in Lydney. We believe this should be re-worded to provide a facility for Lydney residents only and that reference to a health hub for the wider Forest should be removed. With best wishes,

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 95 09/12/20 David To whom it may concern, Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 Hutchison I am emailing you with regard to a cycling path from Lydney to Parkend. Lydney is the only main town that is not connected to the Forest by a cycle path, but is one of the main routes into the Forest by car. It is on good road links and a rail link which makes it one of the most accessible towns - The gateway to the Forest. The popularity of cycling in the country has grown tremendously over the past few years and within the Forest, cycling is one of the main attractions that draws thousands of people to the Forest, particularly since the new routes have been added near Peddlabikeaway. Lydney is mising out on an opportunity: • if we had a cycle path from Lydney to Parkend, people would start their journeys in Lydney instead of just driving through it • this would mean less traffic going into the Forest • more commerce in Lydney, allowing for the development of local businesses, cafes, shops etc. and therefore work for local people • Put Lydney on the map • it would be good for local residents who have to cycle in on a very busy and dangerous road - or drive into the Forest if we want to take the children cycling • would allow safe cycling • would allow children to cycle to school - as Lydney has the main secondary school for this side of the Forest • it would be the only flat route into the Forest which would encourage families and make it more appealing than a lot of the Forest trails • it would give Lydney the opportunity to develop into a 'cycle friendly' town • the health aspects go without saying! this is a really good opportunity for Lydney and the people of Lydney to become the true Gateway to the Forest. regards

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 96 10/12/20 John Hi, Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 Linden I write to support the provision of a safe cycle route between the Forest and Lydney. As a resident of Parkend and a keen cyclist I would like my children to have the option of cycling to Whitecross School and the Leisure center. At present the Whitecroft - Lydney road is totally unsuitable for inexperienced cyclists and without a pavement is dangerous for pedestrians as well. Any route that does not use the valley floor will not be attractive to cyclists or pedestrians. It is clear that the only viable options are to, - either, provide a shared use footpath/cycle path running adjacent to the existing road - or, create a shared use footpath/cycle way on the old rail bed along the Dean Forest Railway line. It must be seen as a vital link for both the people of Lydney and the Forest providing both sustainable leisure family access for the residents of Lydney to the Forest, and sustainable tourist access from Whitemead and the Cannop Cycle Center to Lydney. 11/12/20 Watts I would like to comment on the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan and Included in NDP Various 13 Group, make the following points: Stewart 1. Due to the changing nature of town centres and the rise of internet trading, it Charters may be necessary to consider using town centre sites for mixed use Managing development Director 2. There will be an increasing need for medical provision in the town as the population expands and the average age increases due to improving life expectancy. 3. Existing legacy industrial sites (brown field) should be preferentially developed before using virgin green field land. Again due to the changing nature of work and working patterns, mixed use development should be considered. 4. Social facilities in Lydney are uncoordinated and a new modern, social hub would be valuable addition to the town providing meeting space, use for community groups, library facilities and function facility. An efficient and attractive venue could enhance the town considerably.

Please consider these points when finishing the plan.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 97 22/11/20 Lydney Park 1.0 Introduction Acknowledged 13 Estates, Sam 1.0.1 This note has been prepared by Smiths Gore on behalf of the Lydney Park Harper Estate in response to the consultation on the Draft Lydney Neighbourhood (Smiths Development Plan (NDP). Gore) 1.0.2 The response in this note is limited to a specific element of the NDP relating to the identification of the proposed housing allocation at Holmes farm, Lydney which is in the ownership of the Estate. Unfortunately, the consultation on the NDP was brought to the Estate’s attention at the very end of the consultation period, which has not allowed for any more detailed assessment or analysis of the document or the policies contained within it. 1.1 Holms Farm, Lydney 1.1.1 The site at Holms Farm in Lydney has been allocated previously for housing development under the preceding Local Plan ((R) F. Lydney 3) as land for housing development suitable for around 20 dwellings, it was also allocated for this purpose in the previous 1996 Local Plan. 1.1.2 The site was the subject of a 2006 approval of outline planning permission (P1325/06/OUT) for the construction of 26 dwellings, including 10 affordable units and new areas of public open space. The permission was not implemented as the developer who agreed to purchase the site went out of business. As soon as the land owner (Lydney Park Estate) became aware of this they contacted the Local Planning Authority in order to arrange for a new permission to be granted at the site. 1.1.3 Work on preparation of new planning application has progressed alongside the promotion of the site into the new Forest of Dean Allocations DPD. Pre- application discussions have been positive and the site has been recommended for retention as an allocation within the draft Allocations DPD. However, the proposals for the site include a new access to the north, off Grove Road, and do not include the land in the ownership of the hospital. 1.1.4 Approval of this amendment to the site area and boundaries was recommended for approval and agreed by Forest of Dean District Council, at Full Council , on 24th May 2013, and described in the Council report as below; “Although the allocation will be reviewed it is proposed that it be retained. There may be scope for some revision to the site itself, including the proposed access. It is recommended that it be retained as an allocation for at least 20 dwellings and that it be shown as such in the ADPD alongside any detailed revisions that are considered appropriate. The addition of significant new

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 98 undeveloped land is not proposed, except in respect of the revised point of access.” 1.1.5 Positive pre-application discussions have continued with the Council on the basis of this amendment. A plan showing the new extent of the allocation is included here (Appendix A), outlining the amended boundary of the proposed site and including the access to Grove Road. The NDP and the draft Allocation DPD should correspond and the NDP plan should therefore be amended to reflect this. 1.1.6 Furthermore, it is noted that within ‘LYDNDP 1/4 - Housing /Retail/Employment Land Densities’ reference to Holms Farm is made and states that 20 houses will be delivered on this site. Within the recommended amendment to the allocation, outlined at 1.1.4 above, the wording states ‘at least 20 dwellings.’ In light of the previous permission approved at the site and the pre-application discussions, which have indicated a number higher than 20 dwellings can be achieved successfully and sympathetically on this site, it is recommended that the words ‘at least’ also be included within the NDP at LYDNDP 1/4. 1.2 Recommendation 1.2.1 In light of these considerations it is recommended that the allocation be amended within the plans for the NDP (at page 23 of that document), to draw a parallel with the recommended amendment to the boundaries and the area of the allocation within the Draft Forest of Dean District Council Allocations DPD. The enclosed plan at Appendix A identifies this area. 1.2.2 It is also recommended that ‘LYDNDP 1/4 - Housing /Retail/Employment Land Densities’ is amended to reflect the amendments to the Draft Forest of Dean District Council Allocation DPD to include the words ‘at least 20 houses’, in reference to Holms Farm 1.2.3 These amendments will ensure there is no inconsistency between NDP and the Forest of Dean Local Plan, as required by the National Planning Policy Framework, in this specific regard. 11/12/20 Andrew What a great idea to provide a safe way to cycle from Lydney to Parkend and Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 Winstanle hence access the forest. I teach at the Dean Academy and also as a parent of 3 y children, 1who cycles regularly I know that a cycle path would be a real asset to our community. It would support healthy life styles whilst keeping us all much safer and encourage tourism.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 99 11/12/20 Ann Linden I understand that the Lydney NDP is looking at cycle facilities on and around the Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 town. I think Lydney would benefit enormously from a safe cycle route into the forest, to link it to the network of existing routes. As a resident of Parkend I do sometimes cycle into Lydney but at present the road makes this a very unpleasant experience and I have never encouraged my children to cycle it as I do not believe it is safe. A cycle route would reduce car journeys and give youngsters more independence. I know the idea of this cycle route has been around for some time and I have previously signed a petition for it. I do hope that this time some progress can be made 11/12/20 Jenny & Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan - Cycle Route from Lydney to Parkend Included in NDP Leisure and Tourism 13 Martin Green We back this scheme wholeheartedly

13/12/20 Gloucesters Thank you for consulting Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) on the above Included in NDP Various 13 hire County matter. GCC welcomes the production of the document and its visions and Council, Rob objectives. I have coordinated comments from officers in GCC and have the Niblett following detailed comments to make. Planning Mineral and Waste Comments Officer The Gloucestershire Waste Core Strategy was adopted in November 2012. Within the document there is policy WCS11 ‘Safeguarding Waste Sites’. Therefore, the existing waste sites within Lydney should be noted to ensure that proposals for incompatible uses do not come forward. A list of the sites can be found within the 2011-2012 Authorities Monitoring Report which can be downloaded here: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/extra/article/107690 Ecology Comments We note in the introduction of the draft plan that an Evidence Base is being prepared which will inform the plan before it is adopted. It may be that some of the matters referred to here may be covered by that Evidence Base. The plan itself has a vision which includes the promotion of new and improved open spaces which is to be welcomed if it is eventually implemented without significant harm to existing harm to existing environmental assets. Page 7 picks up on Habitats Regulations 2010 (as amended) which requires that

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 100 the plan will probably need to be accompanied by a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA). The HRA would screen the plan to make sure its proposals would not be likely to have a significant effect on the Severn Estuary European Marine Site or any other European Site such as the Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Bat Sites. The prospects are that significant adverse effects are unlikely meaning that an Appropriate Assessment would not be required. A guide on this matter covering the adjoining county of Herefordshire can be found at: http://news.herefordshire.gov.uk/docs/HRA.pdf which may prove useful. However, Lydney Town Council may wish to see if the Forest of Dean District Council has similar guidance or a recommended procedure to follow? Please note that another requirement relating to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of plans needs to be looked at also. Page 21 (& page 48) under ‘Land designated as New or Additional Recreation Space’ includes reference to ‘Lydney Town Marsh’ which is designated as a county Key Wildlife site called ‘Lydney Town Marsh & Siding’. We note it is shown as such on the map on page 23and you are probably aware that more information on this site and biodiversity general for the Lydney area id unavailable from the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records at www.gcer.co.uk We think that informal recreation may be possible on this Key Wildlife Site and surrounds if it were to assist in better managing the vicinity for its biodiversity value which is probably needed. The land either side of the Harbour and Harbour Road was identified in the past by a county Infrastructure Project (SIDP see letter for website link) This area ‘Lydney & Severn Vale Grazing Marshes’ should ideally be enhanced for biodiversity and public access in the future and developer contributions may help to make this happen. The area to the south and west of the harbour and Harbour Road (New Grounds etc) is a Strategic Nature Area (SNA) called ‘Aylburton’ and is part of the Gloucestershire Nature Map which can be seen at: http://gloucestershirebiodiversity.net/actionplan/imap.php This SNA is also a priority area for biodiversity enhancement particularly for coastal habitats, wet meadows and grazing marsh. Page 38 and policy LYDNDP 1/12 refers to ‘Surface Urban Drainage’ but we would like to point out that SuDS normally stands for Sustainable Drainage Systems’ and are not just restricted to urban areas. The title for LYDNDP 3/1 can be shortened to just ‘Protecting the natural environment’ as this would still cover biodiversity as well as geodiversity. The

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 101 policy wording for LYDNDP3/1 for completeness should also refer to compliance with ‘geodiversity’ recommendations too. In respect to geodiversity I don’t think there is any reference in the plan (but maybe it is in the evidence base) to ‘Lydney Cliff’ SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Site) to the south east of the town on the edge of the Severn Estuary? Explicit reference to these sites in the text of the plan including the Severn Estuary European Marine Site (SAC/SPA/Ramsar) would be helpful. It is also recommended that in the first paragraph of page 45 there is reference to priority species and priority habitats on the English List (see: www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/protectandman ge/habsandspeciesimportance.aspx) As to the last sentence of the first paragraph on page 45 and within the wording of policy LYDNDP 3/1 it is also recommended that ‘Biodiversity and habitats’ and ‘ecological & bio-diversity ‘can be simply replaced with ‘biodiversity’ as this encompasses everything. In policy LYDNDP 3/4 the settlement of Aylburton seems to be missing which could be an oversight looking at the map on page 46? The reference to a continuous wildlife corridor in this policy could do with some clarification in the text and the environmentally important areas referred to in this response would perhaps be part of the corridor definition.

Historic Environment Comments There are four Scheduled Monuments, nearly 70 listed structure and over 5oo entries on the County Historic Environment Record in Lydney Parish (the area covered by the NDP). I note there is very little reference to the historic environment in the draft Lydney NDP. There is a an incidental reference to the Scheduled Monument at Lydney Harbour in the section on open space (Page22) and Policy LYDNDP 3/2 calls for development in the Conservation Area to comply with District and County conservation and heritage policies. Heritage policies contained in the Adopted Forest of Dean Core Strategy and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) need to be followed throughout the NDP area rather than the small proportion of it that is a designated Conservation Area. The NDP could deal with important matters not explicitly covered by its own policies by stating explicitly that all developments must be undertaken in accordance with the NPPF. This should be included as a policy (probably the first

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 102 one) rather than included within the introduction. Ideally the plan should also state that in regard to the historic environment, the adopted Forest of Dean Core Strategy (dated 23 February 2012), specifically Policy CSP1 – Design and Environmental Protection (p38) and Spatial Strategy paragraph 5.4 (p32) will apply to the Lydney NDP. I would be happy to advise further if it were decided that a specific historic environment policy was to be considered for inclusion. Transport Comments There is regular reference throughout the document regarding the lack of pedestrian/cycle links from the MMC site (land south of Lakeside Avenue) and although that is currently the case discussions are on-going with the developer for them to start on site to provide the cycle/footway/bus link within the next few months. It should be noted that links (including ped/cycle/bus gates) have been secured through the planning process for the extant development at the land east of Lydney but unfortunately this is a phased development and the links only need to be provided when the appropriate trigger has been reached. Page 20 The Sainsbury’s supermarket application has been refused by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and I believe the LPA are currently waiting on the decision of the SOS as to whether this application is called in. Page 32. Parking. I am not aware of any significant developments in the area of Bream Road that have contributed to the level of on street parking in this area or what evidence is underpinning the recommended minimum car parking standards. Any proposed minimum parking standards should reflect not only the level of car ownership (1.5 is not considered to be high) but also the following criteria as stated in Paragraph 39 of the NPPF: • The accessibility of the development • The type, mix and use of the development • The availability of public transport and an overall need to reduce the use of high emission vehicles. Page 41. The Unilateral Undertaking dated 10th February 2010 for the Federal Mogul Site (Oakdale) states that the sustainable transport contribution of £24,000 can only be used towards one of the following schemes: • Mandatory or advisory cycle lane in Church Road • Naas Lane/Newerne Street Ham junction improvements • Provision of a footpath in the vicinity of the boating lake in Lydney and • Provision of cycle parking facilities in Lydney Town Centre

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 103 It is not considered that the monies secured from this Unilateral Undertaking could be used towards the upgrade of public rights of way linking the site to the train station. The priorities for the railway in Lydney are supported. It may be worth referring to the emerging master plan that is being produced for the railway station and surrounding land. I understand that you have already received comments from our Public Rights of Way team. If you would like to discuss any of the points raised in this letter please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours Faithfully, 13/12/20 John I am very pleased to see you stimulating debate on the future for Lydney. I am Included in NDP Various 13 Thurston happy for any of my comments to be included in the responses to the consultation.

With the changes in our national economy, demographics, technology and habits it is very difficult to set down a rigid plan that would be suitable for the future.

Town centres These are changing. Online retailing is rapidly increasing and the need for community facilities is increasing as is the need for housing. One thing is certain and that is retail shopping will not sustain the town centre in the future. But what will?

The plan should keep a flexible attitude towards the uses in the town centre and it may well be that appropriate residential accommodation, together with a variety of other commercial, leisure and retail activities will be required.

Infrastructure Similarly, industry has changed and it is unlikely that large manufacturing units would wish to relocate to Lydney. This leaves us a goodly amount of brown land in Lydney’s old industrial areas.

Some of this land is near the railway station and the bypass with good communications. It would be desirable to ensure that brown land is used before any green land. A flexible attitude needs to be adopted permitting a mixed

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 104 development of residential and trade park retail, as well as commercial.

As the town becomes larger and more spread out it is most unlikely that the use of the car will decrease so roads and car parking facilities need to be adequate.

The railway station is a very valuable asset but, unfortunately, has now reached a stage where it needs further development and the lack of a bridge or underpass is going to blight the harbour development.

Public Services The town has a very friendly and much valued community hospital which has been in existence for over 100 years. With modern techniques , including diagnostics and surgeries, the pattern of health and social care is changing. Space needs to be made available for the renewal of a hub for hospital and community care services.

Community Facilities At the moment we have a town hall, community centre together with a number of clubs. At present these are fragmented and in old buildings which are expensive to maintain and run. Hopefully one day Lydney could aspire to a major multi-purpose community centre development.

Flexibility to accept and adopt changing needs is a key word, except when it comes to the maintenance of our green open spaces and sports facilities which must be kept.

John 15/12/20 Astrid There is an urgent need for a safe cycle route from Parkend to Lydney, and from Included in NDP Included Point 1. Not 13 Freuler Bream to Lydney. Youngsters are taking huge risks by cycling on Forest Road and Inlcuded 2. Bream Road.. I feel the age group 14 to 17 years is currently very poorly catered for. Please include plans for a youth club that is open in the evenings and at week-ends. The Youth Cafe on Newerne Street is only open until 7.30pm. This leaves older teenagers (i.e. 16 to 17 yrs) with nowhere to go and meet friends on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 105 18/12/20 john Dear sirs/madam Included in NDP Town Centre 13 harrison Several points occur to me with regard to the plan

1. There is little that one could disagree with in the very laudable tenets of the plan but these need to be translated into ACTION

2. Lyndsey as the entry point to the Forest of Dean needs to be smartened up IMMEDIATELY it looks quite frankly like some depressed part of the former soviet block countries which I have visited on several occasions over the years.

3 consider pedestrianisation of the centre - cobbled walk ways ( see what they have done to chepstow for instance) the buildings need to be painted and presented attractively.

4. The area around the cross needs to be redeveloped to enhance the square.

5. Is there money available? European grants ?

6. Get rid of the pawn shop -it brings the high street down

7. Get rid of the garage area and turn into an people friendly area -trees etc.

8. Improve the bus station -it's a shocking example of transport infrastructure

9. Introduce a bypass to aylburton and alvington to reinvigorate the villages and make safer for children and residents and aid traffic flow

10 introduce a very nice tourist information office and a centre of study and culture to promote the forest and it's tourist potential

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 106 18/12/20 Ken Hugill I am the Chair of Governors at Severnbanks Primary School - now an Academy. Included in NDP Education 13 My comments/aspirations for the plan are that the Town Council, although not the Education Authority, continue to support the provision of education in the town.

Specifically, the significant future housing development in the locality adjacent to Severnbanks creates a challenge for the school to expand to provide places for the increased number of infant and primary school children the development will generate. We believe that children should have the opportunity to attend their nearest school. Increasing the PAN and building additional classrooms etc always has a lag behind the occupation of new houses. The flow of Section 106 money exacerbates this lag enabling house builders to sell many homes before their finance is released to create additional educational facilities. The school is in regular communication with Shire Hall to plan the changes necessary to meet the demand but closing the lag between need and availability of additional places is frustratingly slow.

Severnbanks has facilities and space to expand to meet the demand. We are an Outstanding school, providing the best education children could ask for and the Town Council's support in enabling Severnbank's to create the necessary additional capacity, in the right place and in a timely manner is sought. Chair of Governors Severnbanks Primary School

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 107 13/12/20 PROW - Precis:- Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan (2013-2034) Acknowledged 13 Peter Draft stage – Public Version Document. Maunder, What is the Neighbourhood Plan ? Ops Officer, The Localism Act (2011) stated Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP) are Forest part of the Local Development Framework and must be in line with the Natinal South. Planning Policy Framework and also embrace the local district council Strategies Although deciding the extent of new housing and new employment area remains an important part of this plan, the Plan is about much more, including: • How new retail should support the town centre’s economic development. • Whether a new community facility is needed and where it should go to provide social inclusion and improve social integration. • How walking and cycling around the town should be encouraged and improved promoting a healthier lifestyle. • How the harbour area could enhance the town and attract additional tourism. • What open space new housing should contribute to the Town thereby improving leisure facilities. • Encouraging Lydney to become a “greener” town through recycling and renewable energy. This plan is divided into 3 sections:- Section 1 – The Vision Section 2 – NDP Policies to support vision. Section 3 – What happens next ? The Vision. i/. Under Page 15 - The Vision – Lydney today - Getting around - the opening comment is “Lydney is not a highly walkable town… . On page 16 it refers to a “20 minute walking zone in which aspirational time an average people should be able to access the town centre. Ii/. Page 18 Vision statement – What makes a market town? Suggests that “walkability is important and its current population are within 15 minutes of the Town Centre.

The Vision Core Objectives One of the core objectives is “getting around” although there is no direct reference to Public Rights of Way in the Objectives (actions to deliver the vision – page 19), especially under the section Improved transport links, routes and facilities . Potential new road links will however have an indirect effect on our

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 108 existing Prow network but Public Path Orders – diversions etc could accommodate such changes.

Proposals & Policies (2014 -2034) LYDNDP2/1 – Roads, Rail and Footpaths/Cycle routes Pages 40, 41 & 42.

Page 40 draws attention to the existing lack or poor standard of transport routes between the Oakdale housing development (currently under construction), accessed from the Lydney by-pass) and also cycle & pedestrian routes to Lydney rail station.

Page 41 – headed “Footways & Cycle-ways” opens with “In general Lydney benefits from a good network of public footpaths (Public Rights of Way” It states that in July 2013 a S106 trigger for Oakdale was reached and Lydney Town Council resolved to request that £24k be spent on improving pedestrian footpaths on/around the Oakdale development. “This will involve the widening and surfacing to a disabled access standard of Definitive paths FLY/84/2, FLY/27/1, FLY/93/3 & FLY/93/2. A bridge will be required over the widened watercourse between FLY/84 and 27. The narrow bridge near the start of FLY/84 will also need to be widened. In the interest of road safety the Bypass crossing point between FLY/27 and FLY/93 should have a central refuge and pedestrian controlled lights. This would have a beneficial calming effect some 350 yards east at the Oakdale roundabout.” The following paragraph refers to cycle routes and suggests that :- “A further option may be to assign the minor road from Whitecroft via Brockhollands to the Lydney/Bream Road which is quieter and a less dangerous road for cyclists. From just south of that junction on the B4231 there is a wide track which is currently a public footpath through Lydney Park Estate down to Watery Lane and the western end of Lydney which could be upgraded to bridleway status” . Nb- path number not given – presumed to refer to FLY 1 +2+5+7 & 8 Intention (page41) – although there are no direct Prow references, some of our existing footpath routes would be likely to be affected especially with regards to

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 109 the following highway policy items should they be introduced and implemented:- • Re-instating and developing the link between the town centre and the bypass via Swan Road. • Establishing adequate links with the new housing developments on the east of Lydney • Improving access to the harbour recreation areas and the industrial sites on the Harbour link road.

LYDNDP2/1 – Pedestrian Infrastructure (Public Safety) - Page 42 It states that “This policy aims to support the construction of appropriately signed safer walking and cycling routes in and out of the town linking them to the design requirements of the new development sites.”….. “All Prow across development sites should include wide landscaped wildlife corridors wherever possible”. After making reference to envisaged S106/CIL arrangements, It concludes with the following:- “This policy will in the main adopt the key principles outlined in the Natural England Guidance on Local Transport Plans and the Natural Environment (DEFRA Rights of Way Circular 1/09). The policy ensures that Public Footpaths retain their beneficial aspect providing a safe and healthy environment for pedestrians.” LYDNDP2/2 – Improvements to the highway infrastructure – pages 43 – 47. Bream Road: This policy indicates that GCC Highways are currently proposing managing the Bream Road junction with traffic lights. The Policy document suggests that a better long term solution would be to bypass the town to the west primarily over rural areas. This would affect some rights of way routes being crossed but not expected to be lost. This would still leave the traffic close to the town centre.

Forest Road/Newerne Street junction GCC Highways are also proposing a Newerne Link which will leave the Forest Road approximately 250 yards from Newerne Street to pass east through the car park area into Albert Street then on to the Highfield Hill/Newerne Street junction. This proposal will also link to the Hams Road/Naas Lane junction.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 110 The Lydney NDP document suggests that an enhancement to this scheme would be to relocate the Rugby Club to the Recreation Trust land south of the bypass as this would create the opportunity to construct a road from Hams Road just beyond the Bus Station across to Swan Lane and then south to join up with the originally planned junction with the bypass roundabout. This route could incorporate a cycleway from the town centre to the railway station via the Lyd underpass. This suggested route would have a bearing on the current Prows : FLY 21+24+27+89 Protecting the Environment LYDNDP3/1 –Protecting the natural environment & its Eco/Bio- Diversity. The policy opens stating “Bio diversity is the very heart of sustainable development and can contribute positively to social cohesion, community wellbeing and quality of life. “ It goes on to indicate that there have been concerns over wildlife effects at Pylers Way (FLY 44) where 2 Rivers are constructing residential properties and also to state that the Plan seeks to ensure that protected species remain a high priority when planning applications are submitted. On page 45 it records:- Public rights of way and recognised local paths should not be routed along estate road pavements or tarmac alleyways. This policy is supported by Defra Rights of Way Circular 1/09 which also states in section 7.8 that “ in considering potential revisions to an existing right of way that are necessary to accommodate the planned development, but which are acceptable to the public, any alternative alignment should avoid the use of estate roads for the purpose wherever possible and preference should be given to the use of made up estate paths through landscaped or open space areas away from vehicular traffic.”

LYDNDP/3/3 Public & Information Signage (inc fingerposts) – page 46 The policy supports the installation of additional signage in the town and includes that :- “Highway signs must comply with county council Highways policy with regards to size, height, materials and location.”

LYDNDP3/4 Environment & Preservation of Open Space – Development outside the settlement boundary - page 47

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 111 States:- • “ The policy seeks to ensure that developments in adjoining areas further the benefits of a continuous wildlife corridor, in most cases this will fall in line with existing routes of Prows.” • “The policy also supports the aim that every household shall be within one mile walk of the town centre facilities”.

CONCLUSION

• It is fortuitous that a number of the sections of this NDP have either been written or have had input from Mr Dave Street who apart from being a resident of Lydney, is also a member of the Forest of Dean Ramblers committee. • Mr Street has apparently been co-opted onto the Lydney Town Council team involved with this draft Vision document, to which he acts as an informed advisor. It is obvious that the significance and importance of the local Prow network has been well reflected in the various policies and objectives identified. • Whilst accepting that a number of environment changes will inevitably affect Lydney town & surrounding areas) in the period up to 2034, including those relating to highways (inc Prow) and transport, it is reassuring that their Vision is to maintain and further develop the rights of way local network. • In recent planning applications involving new residential developments, the town council has sought wherever possible to maintain those current Prow rural routes through proposed residential developments by use of identified “green corridors” . They have evidenced their planning consultation submissions by referring to the Defra RoW Circular 1/09. We in Prow & Development Control have also made reference to the same in our consultation planning responses.

• In these current austere times, to their credit the authors have stated an intention to fund any identified improvements to the Prow network close to the Oakdale development and the A48 bypass (which historically have lacked any significant maintenance), primarily through s106 /CIL funding.

In conclusion, from the content of this draft consultation there does not appear to be any major Prow related concerns over these various proposals.

Peter Maunder, Ops Officer, Forest South.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 112 20/12/20 David Priddis 1. I have a number of concerns about the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Included in NDP Included Points 2, 5, 13 Plan. 6, 9-12. Ackowledged 2. Apart from being a local resident who uses Lydney shopping and other points 4, 3 - facilities, I have also been carrying out research and conservation into bats, contacted to let him particularly horseshoe bats for some 36 years. I hold Natural England Licences know comments still for this work and was, earlier this year, commissioned by Natural England to open and how he can update their database of horseshoe bat sites in the Forest of Dean and Wye up load comments to Valley. website) Outside of 3. A 4 sided leaflet was delivered to our house AFTER the closing date for NDP remit Points 7, comments of 22nd November 2013. Whilst I note this has now been extended 8. to 20th December, the Website Home page still says comments are closed. I believe this is misleading and is preventing legitimate comments. 4. The Plans on the brochure delivered to our house are very poor in that the map colouring is unclear, thereby preventing sensible comment. The colours for "Working" and "Housing" are both similar shades of orange which look the same in some light and would not be distinguishable to the many people who have a colour vision deficiency in the red spectrum - some 5% of the population, I understand. Plans MUST be clear to enable meaningful comment. 5. I am concerned that Industrial development is indicated to the East of the By- pass. There is likely to be future pressure to extend this which would be detrimental as it would severely infringe on a "green corridor" to the East of the By-pass. 6. Any proposals to develop large shopping stores along the By-pass would, I feel, be highly detrimental to the existing shopping high street. Towns permitting out-of-town shopping end up with High Streets in the Centre of Town devoid of shops. This in turn leads to poor economics as rates fall and town centres become empty. Lydney still has a good range of shops and these should be encouraged by free parking and by not developing shopping along the by-pass which would draw shoppers away for the existing shops. 7. With the development proposed along the Bay-pass, it would seem that there will be a need for a By-pass to avoid all the traffic which will be generated. 8. The number of proposed houses is not sensible or necessary. Population growth figures indicate no local need for this growth in housing and it is unlikely that many jobs will be created by the type of development proposed. As I am sure everyone in the areas is well aware, many existing residents have to travel outside the area for employment and it is extremely difficult to do this by road

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 113 through Chepstow or via Gloucester. Roads to Monmouth are poor and the Tidal forms a barrier to the East. The number of homes proposed will therefore lead to immigrant population to the Dean to live and additional commuting outside to work for many people. 9. Whilst I note that Natural England have made some fairly general comments and drawn your attention to the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat SAC (Special Area of Conservation - protected under the Habitats Directive), I note they have not drawn your attention to any specific horseshoe bat sites near to or in Lydney. The nearest SSSI is Bream Scowles and the Neighbourhood Plan area is well within the 10km zone for this. There are also a number of horseshoe bats sites within the proposed development area, (e.g At Crump Farm and the former Federal Mogul buildings on the By-pass) and other sites very close to it. 10. I would draw your attention to the maternity roost of Lesser Horseshoe bats at Holm(s?) Farm, Lydney, apparently marked for Development. 11. I also note an area of the old Lydney Industrial Estate close to the Docks is also marked for Development. Whilst I would encourage redevelopment of disused industrial areas, such as that, you should be aware that a number of different buildings at Naas area also have both greater and lesser horseshoe bats. I think it is highly likely that because at least 4 buildings have these, that there is a maternity roost very close to or in a building at Naas House, Naas Farm, Plumbers Farm. the old Prisoner of War Buildings (some buildings, at least have these bats) or in the disused Industrial site buildings marked for development. This needs locating to enable Plans to be produced which will avoid affecting it. 12. Because of the SAC and bat issues, both Lydney Town Council and the Forest of Dean District Council should proceed with great caution on these plans to avoid a similar planning fiasco and the possibility of Legal Challenges, as currently exists at Cinderford's Northern Quarter. I would suggest that detailed wildlife and bat surveys are first needed to locate all roosts and their significance to the SAC so it can be ascertained if an Appropriate Assessment is needed. If so, this must be done, unlike at Cinderford, at the outset of planning, i.e. at this stage, rather than after Plans have been adopted, so alternative sites can be selected, if necessary, which will not impact on the SAC. You may not be aware that it is not just the bat roosts themselves which need protecting but also their feeding areas and flight routes to these and to hibernation sites, such as Bream Scowles. These bats are highly sensitive to light and do not like crossing roads or

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 114 open spaces which cross their flight routes. 13. Because of the foregoing, I do not believe this Plan has been sufficiently thought through and I object to it, as currently put forward. 31/12/20 To complement the development plan ; II Intuitive LTD, working with Acknowledged 13 Gloucestershire county council is providing adult education throughout the Forest of Dean. The company’s new offices and training facilities opening soon in the heart of Lydney. In addition to adult education II Intuitive also provides a wide range of accredited courses for learners of all ages, abilities and ambitions.

20/12/20 James Many thanks to all those who have put in a huge amount of work towards the Included Points 2, 3, 13 Greenwood Lydney NDP. The effort and diligence displayed is remarkable and I am grateful 5, 7, 8, 9. Outside for the opportunity to submit to the NDP process. remit of NDP - decision already 1) LYDNDP1/4 made by LPA Points Although it is understood that the Core Strategy DEMANDS that 1900/2100 new 1, 6. Not Included dwellings must be created by 2026, there is some doubt as to whether builders Points 4. and developers will have the appetite to build them. It seems extraordinary that Acknowleged Points the figure of 1900/2100 can be revised upwards but not downwards. IF AT ANY 10. POINT THERE IS ANY CHANCE TO CHANGE the way in which housing numbers are allocated, Lydney must seek a downward revision. The local infrastructure, as many have said, is insufficient to support 1900/2100 new homes. The town should not be developed towards the North.

2) LYDNDP1/5 The focus for Economic viability/sustainability must remain the Town Centre – NOT retail outlets on the by-pass. The old bus station and Paramount garage/car wash should be knocked down and turned into a market green to provide a working-amenity hub and focus for the town.

3) LYDNDP1/6 All Design and Access Statements should seek not just to cover the Environmental Footprint of all developments but seek to positively reduce as far as possible the Environmental Footprint of all developments to a Carbon Neutral level. All developers should be obliged to build to the most stringent energy-

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 115 saving/retaining/producing specifications.

4) No Current Policy Garden Standards – all new dwellings should have sufficient Garden Space to reflect the size of the property, and the likely number of residents and the sufficient space required for private leisure and a potential vegetable plot.

5) LYDNDP1/11 Energy Efficiency of new developments should be set to the highest bar possible. The LTC Renewable Energy Policy is incomplete, inconsistent and inaccurate and is no basis for any kind of decision-making. Lydney has a duty to it citizens promote and be at the forefront of energy sustainability through the maximisation of roof- and field-mounted Solar PV, wind-turbines, ground- and air-sourced heat pumps etc.

6) LYDNDP2/1 The underpass at the railway station needs to be opened immediately and remain open. 7) Lydney is the Gateway to the Forest. The Forest is one of the most important cycling resources in the UK, and Lydney to become and promote itself as a Cycling Town. The commercial potential for the town is being neglected. Any opportunity to combine footpaths with cyclepaths should be embraced; the shared blue round symbol denoting that pedestrians and cyclists are sharing the same path are ubiquitous around the country; Lydney should be no exception The Lydney-Parkend cycleway needs to be delivered.

8) LYDNDP2/2 The Swan Road link to the bypass should be ruled out. It will only exacerbate the congestion in the town centre, by encouraging more traffic in and out and through town rather than entering and exiting the town from either end of the bypass. The secret of a bypass is in it’s name. It would also unnecessarily destroy good amenity ground. 9) LYDNDPS/1 – Adequate educational provision for future generations

Primary schools within walking and cycling distance of pupils’ homes and surrounded by abundant green space (an easy ask in the Forest) could provide

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 116 for many future generations. The NDP describes the relationship between Lydney and the Forest of Dean District Council - that relationship may cease within the life of the NDP. What happens then? 10) LYDNDP4/1

The NDP thinking regarding healthcare is incomplete and requires further work. The pursuit of a Cumminity Healtcare facility is ill-defined and risks the terminally-valuable institute of Lydney Hospital. 09/12/20 Anomous Does Lydney need a pedestrianised area for outdoor Cafes and Safe circulation? Included in NDP Various 13 No. Please do not even think abouot pedestrianising Newern Street. People should be able to take pot luck at parking and will do so then shopping for half an hour. Look at the mess at Glos Cross! Pedestrianisation leads to fast food outlets, litter, chewing gum stuck to the pavements; also less visitors. Aligned to this of course is to remove the parking fee in the car parks, or at the very least reserve spaces for short-term shoppers (with no payment required) such as in Chepstow.This works very well. Does it need more green/people spaces? Does it need improved customer access? Will additional and improved and retail units improve the Town Centre? Probaly not. Some units should be made residential. Can Lydney to Aylburton be seen as a single attractive High Street? This is a strange one. People walk in High Streets, or at least have parking along the edge. How can more local produce be made available to help the local economy and provide sustainable food supply. How can Lydney attract more tourist spend?Improve the dock facilities. Cafe.. And cycleway from the docks to the town to join up with steam railway and Whitecroft. What sort of shops would improve the shopping experience?Definitely a Waitrose or maybe M&S food. Other better shops would follow. I cannot understand the decision to permit ASDA rather than Sainsbury. "upmarket" supermarkets bring in upmarket shoppers and vise versa. Where is the overlap with transport policy? What about issues related to parking/cycling /pedestrain access? Imperative to enlarge the car parking facilies at Lydney Rail Station. This is currently far too small. Also: who in the PLanning Authorities agreed to the design of the house on "Upper Lydney" the FoDDC have published a Design Guide talking about vernacular, local character etc. Where else in the Forest do we have three storey brick houses! This development is of very poor quality and sticks out like a sore thumb.

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 117

* Comments received from Public Consultation meetings.

PLEASE NOTE: Comments have been copied as sent (no correction of grammar/spelling)

Lydney NDP - Consultation Statement DP/Examiners Version 118