Planning officers have recommended an application for nine houses at Lovers Walk in Gorsley, near Ross-on-Wye, for approval, despite objections from many sources.

The application site lies on the southern side of the B4221 at Gorsley and is a triangular parcel of land located at the eastern edge of the village of Gorsley.

The Transportation Manager has asked for a pedestrian crossing to be provided across the B4221, provision of bus stop infrastructure works on both sides of the B4221 as well as an extension of the footpath to the existing bus stop near to Quarry Road and a footpath on the south side of the B4221.

The Parish Council believe this proposal should be refused for a number of reasons, but overall because it is the wrong site in the village for development.

Forest of Dean District Council objected as they said they held the view that development of this site would “create a long frontage altering the character of the area”.

Concerns have also been raised about road safety and drainage issues.

The proposal delivers nine dwellings in a location identified as suitable for new residential development within a layout that respects and enhances the landscape character type.

Technical matters relating to highways, drainage and ecology have been assessed as being addressed and where necessary, mitigated with conditions.

The planning officers said that they have noted the Parish Councils’ concerns however, they conclude that “given the location of the site and the previous appeal inspector’s comments, a modest development of this nature, with associated highway improvements is considered to be compliant with policies RA2 and MT1 and there is no basis to resist the development on the basis of over supply.”