Cinderford N Qtr Masterplan and AAP Consultation Statement - April ...

Cinderford Northern QuarterMasterplan and Area Action PlanConsultation statement | April 2011

Contents1. Introduction 52. Informal consultation on masterplan development (2009) 73. Preferred Options consultation (2009) 344. Consultation on Further Consultation Report (2011) 415. Changes to the AAP 42Appendix 1: Preferred option representationsAppendix 2: Further Consultation responsesCinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 20113

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1. IntroductionThe purpose of this report is toprovide an overview of consultationundertaken during the preparation ofthe Area Action Plan for CinderfordNorthern Quarter.The report outlines feedback fromengagement exercises and alsoincorporates a detailed scheduleof representations received duringthe Preferred Options stage (2009)and the Further Consultation stage(2011).The report is structured as follows:• Chapter 2 - informal consultationundertaken in May 2009 to informthe development of the indicativeMasterplan for the NorthernQuarter;• Chapter 3 - Preferred Optionsconsultation (October 2009);• Chapter 4 - consultation on theFurther Consultation report(January 2011);• Chapter 5 - summary of resultingchanges to AAP;• Appendix 1 - detailedschedule of Preferred Optionsrepresentations; and• Appendix 2 - detailed schedule ofrepresentations on the FurtherConsultation Report.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 20115

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2. Informal consultation on masterplan development (2009)2.1 OverviewIn May 2009 the CinderfordNorthern Quarter Area Action Plan(AAP) consultant team conducteda series of consultation events inCinderford. The events were designedto engage key stakeholders andmembers of the local community inorder to inform the development ofa masterplan which would, in turn,provide the basis for the Area ActionPlan Preferred Option.This chapter is structured to refl ectthe 5 consultation events which tookplace in May, as well as a sectiondedicated to analysis of publicresponses from members of thepublic over the whole consultationperiod.The consultation feedback isstructured as follows:• Offi cers and members’ briefi ng;• Drop-in consultation;• Market stall consultation;• Stakeholder workshop;• Youth conference;• Questionnaire responses;• Summary of written submissions;• Summary of qualitative feedback;and• Conclusions and next steps2.2 ExhibitionmaterialsAt each of the consultation events,a set of materials was used to helpillustrate and gain feedback on thework being carried out for theCinderford Northern Quarter AAP.The materials were:• An exhibition presenting thescope of the project, the threeoptions put forward for theNorthern Quarter and therationale behind them.• A plan of the Northern Quarteron which participants were askedto place suggestions on post-itnotes.• A model of the site showing thekey geographical features whichstructure the site – its terrain, thelake and river, and existing roads.The options were then illustratedon this model with colouredblocks corresponding to theland uses shown in the optionson the exhibition. Participantswere encouraged to considerthe different options, as well asvariations on them, by settingthe coloured land use blocksout on the model in differentcombinations.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 20117

Cinderford NorthernQuarter Masterplanand Area Action Plan2 Project backgroundThe work we are doing now follows on from importantwork which has already been done, including the Local PlanReview (2005) and Cinderford Business Plan (2007)Welcome to the exhibitionThank you for taking a few minutes to look at thisexhibition. We are here to find out what you think aboutour ideas for the Cinderford Northern Quarter.The Forest of Dean District Council has appointed a teamof consultants to prepare a Masterplan and Area ActionPlan (AAP) for the Northern Quarter in Cinderford. Thenew masterplan for the Cinderford Northern Quarter willultimately guide both public and private investment intothe former coal mining sites to the north west of the town.It will also form the basis for an Area Action Plan to controlall development in the area.It is really important that we find out what you think aboutthe plans. We want to hear your views on the draft designsand ideas. We are also planning to come back for moreconsultation this autumn with our final draft report whichwill be called the Preferred Options document.As well as the Council, the steering group for theproject includes the Homes and Communities Agency,Gloucestershire County Council, Royal Forest of DeanCollege, and the Forestry Commission.Steam Mills lakeFind out moreThe consultation period on the draft plans starts on Monday 18May 2009 and ends on Friday 19 June 2009. We are starting theconsultation period with two public events:– Drop-in session at Steam Mills School - Monday 18 May,4pm to 7pm; and– Market stall at the Triangle, Cinderford – Tuesday 19 May,9.30am to 2pm.We are also holding meetings with Councillors, local interest groupsand young people to present our ideas and hear what they have tosay.From Wednesday 20 May 2009 until Friday 19 June 2009 the exhibitionwill be on display in the Belle Vue Centre in Cinderford and can beviewed between 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday.Project websiteAll the documents about this project including this exhibition and thequestionnaire leaflet are available online and you can visit either ofthese websites to download them:www.cinderfordregeneration.orgwww.fdean.gov.ukYour commentsWe are really interested to hear what you have to say about the draftmasterplan. Once you have had a chance to look at the plans pleaseanswer the questions on the leaflet and return it to us by Friday 19June 2009. There is a box to leave it in at the exhibition, or you canpost it to us at the address below.These are the companies leading the preparation of the masterplanand AAP:– Alan Baxter and Associates (lead consultants responsible formasterplanning, urban design and transport),– ERM (responsible for environmental and sustainability inputs); &– Urban Practitioners (responsible for planning and consultation)You can also use the following contact details to get in touch with theteam if you have any questions about the project:Wendy JacksonCinderford Regeneration ManagerForest of Dean District CouncilHigh StreetColefordGloucestershireGL16 8HG01594 812645wendy.jackson@fdean.gov.ukTimeline and milestonesLOCAL PLAN, 2005- Forest of Dean Local Plan Reviewwas published in 2005.- The Local Plan Review identi es aseries of development sites in theNorthern Quarter for a range ofactivities including employment,residential, leisure and recreationuses.- The plan protects the proposedextension of Forest Vale spine roadto Steam Mills.BUSINESS PLAN, 2007- A business plan was prepared in2007. The document indicateskey priorities for the regenerationof Cinderford with a focus onthe Government’s CoaleldsProgramme funding.- As part of this. detailed consultationwas undertaken on four optionswhich led to a preferred option.Business Plan (2007): Route of new road and usesThe Business Plan identified a preferred option in terms of road alignmentand land uses for the Northern Quarter. Both the route of the road and useswere tested through a process of consultation and technical work. Althoughthe final Business Plan was the starting point for the current Masterplan andAAP, the project team has looked at the options again to make sure that thepreferred option is still the best approach for the masterplan.The original requirement for a new link road in this area was identified in theCinderford Transport Study back in 2001. The existing junction at Nailbridgeis difficult to use, and all the heavy traffic has to use the road through SteamMills and past the primary school. The team working on this project hasstudied the work which was done for the Business Plan in 2007. We want tobe sure that the road alignment which was shown in the preferred optionwas the right one and will do the following things:1. Reduce traffic on the A4136 Steam Mills Road, especially at the primaryschool and in Steam Mills;2. Minimise additional pressure on Nailbridge junction;3. Provide access to the Northern Quarter;4. Provide a new gateway to Cinderford;5. Provide access for all types of transport, including public transport;6. Limit its environmental impact; and7. Be in accordance with The Forestry Act.Option D on the road alignment options plan was selected in the Businessplan as the preferred route. When testing the road options against thecriteria above, it was confirmed that this route should be taken forward inthe masterplan. The exact alignment of option D has been refined furtherin the masterplan options to respond better to the topography of the siteand anticipated traffic patterns in relation to trips to the town centre andForest Vale business park. Connecting the new road to Broadmoor Road willprovide good links to both Forest Vale business park and the town centre.AREA ACTION PLAN (AAP)AAPCONTEXT- The AAP will bea new planningdocument whichreplaces theparts of the LocalPlan which relateto the NorthernQuarter site.Informal consultation on the draft ideas: May 2009Consultation on Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report: June 2009Formal consultation on AAP preferred options and SA:Autumn 2009Publication: January 2010Submission: February / March 2010APRIL 2009: Coalfield Fundingconfirmed! £14.75 million forCinderford regeneration announced.Adoption May 2010Business Plan preferred option (2007).The mix of uses in the Business Plan preferredoption is 45% employment, 19% housing and 36%college / amenities. It should be noted that theBusiness Plan boundary covers a larger area thanthe AAP / MasterplanIMPLEMENTATIONDelivery of proposals forNorthern QuarterContinued partnership workingbetween key stakeholders, deliveryagencies and local communityThis drawing incorporates information from theOrdnance Survey which is © Crown Copyright.Testing of road alignment options8 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

NN3 Site contextThe Northern Quarter is a special place in a wonderful location.There are beautiful woodlands and open spaces, but the areaalso has an important social and industrial history.5 Our Vision:“The Northern Quarter will become an attractive destination for local people in Cinderfordand surrounding communities. It will make the most of the beautiful landscape and will sethigh standards for design and sustainability. Set within a green campus environment, theNorthern Quarter will feature a range of new facilities including a college. The developmentwill also bring wider benefits to the area including a new road access that will reduce trafficimpact on Steam Mills and Newtown.”Themes: The vision is supported by eight themes:A. Northern United buildings- Mining buildings dating from the midtwentieth century- Many of the surviving buildings now derelictABKJHGITHEME 1: SUSTAINABLE PLACE-MAKING“The Northern Quarter will be a sustainablenew development that respects and celebratesthe area’s important landscape, habitats andcultural heritage. A Sustainable DevelopmentFramework is being prepared which will ensurethat sustainability is at the heart of the proposals.”THEME 2: ACCESSIBILITY AND MOVEMENT“The new link road through the site will playa vital role in providing access to the newdevelopment, but will also create a newand better link into Cinderford. Access forpedestrians, cyclists and buses will also beimproved.”THEME 5: LIVING AND WORKING“The Northern Quarter will be a greatplace to live, work, study and relax. Amix of land uses will be included and itwill be important that these are welldesignedand carefully located.”THEME 6: HEALTHY LIVING,TOURISM AND LEISURE“A range of leisure actitivities suchas walking and cycling will beencouraged, alongside opportunitiesto promote access to the forest forleisure, tourism and education.”A. Northern United buildings- View of Northern United looking towardspithead c.1952CEDFK. Forest- A defining feature of the area protected bythe Forestry ActTHEME 3: EDUCATION AND LEARNING“The Royal Forest of Dean College, currentlybased in Coleford, is considering movingto a new location so that they can bringall their facilities into one campus. This sitewould be ideal for what they need andwould provide a great place to study.”THEME 7: INTEGRATION WITH STEAM MILLSAND CINDERFORD TOWN CENTRE“The new development will link into the surroundingarea, with connecting streets and good transportlinks. The new development can work with theexisting communities by supporting existing facilitiesand by providing new ones which everyone can use. “THEME 4: LANDSCAPE, ENVIRONMENT ANDBIODIVERSITY“The Northern Quarter is in a beautiful environmentincluding woodland, open space and water. Thelandscape also reflects the long history of mining inthe area. These things will give the area the uniquecharacter which will make it a special place.”THEME 8: DELIVERY AND PARTNERSHIP“Based on guidance in the new planningsystem it is important that we propose thingswhich we can deliver. We will work withstakeholders, developers and the public tocreate a plan which has broad support and wecan all help to deliver.”B. Gloucestershire Way- Runs diagonally across the north of the site- Right of way that connects Chepstow toTewkesbury via GloucesterJ. Nailbridge Junction / A4136- Complex junction- A4136 runs east –west to the north of thesiteKey principles: The Masterplan is based on two sets of principles:1. The Northern Quarter as an exemplar community2. Movement FrameworkC. Brickworks- Uses clay from the lake in the east of the siteto make bricksD. Steam Mills Lake- Used for recreation, such as the local anglingclub- Key asset of the site that will be retained inall future plansE. Smaller lake and mounds- Two lakes separated by wooden bridge- Mounds offer good views across the areaF. Linear Park- Important recreation space which linkstowards the centre of Cinderford- Asset, that will be protected and integrated inall plans for the siteG. Newtown- Small community to the east of the site- Potential to link in with proposals for the siteH. Engine Brook- Narrow brook, which feeds Steam Mills Lake- Brook will require vehicle and pedestriancrossingsI. Steam Mills- Historic village along Steam Mills Road- Includes Steam Mills primary school to north- A ‘place’ in the forest;- Northern United, theLake and the Forest arerecognised as key assets;- An amenity hub forCinderford, Steam Mills,Ruardean, Drybrook andthe wider area;- A community built aroundcollege and employment;- Only a small area (18%) ofthe total site area will bedeveloped; and- High sustainability targetsfor all development.A4136NorthernUnitedThis drawing incorporates information from theOrdnance Survey which is © Crown Copyright.Core activitiesSteam Millsto Cinderfordtown centre- A new north-south spineroad;- A new east-west linkbetween Northern Unitedand Steam Mills;- Reduction of traffic onSteam Mills Road;- Provision of publictransport between thecollege, employmentareas, local communityand the wider area; and- A good network forwalking and cycling.A4136Gloucestershire WayThis drawing incorporates information from theOrdnance Survey which is © Crown Copyright.Bus routeSpine roadGloucestershire WayForest Vale RoadSteam Mills RoadBus routeBroadmoor Roadto Cinderfordtown centreCinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 20119

NN5 Our Vision:“The Northern Quarter will become an attractive destination for local people in Cinderfordand surrounding communities. It will make the most of the beautiful landscape and will sethigh standards for design and sustainability. Set within a green campus environment, theNorthern Quarter will feature a range of new facilities including a college. The developmentwill also bring wider benefits to the area including a new road access that will reduce trafficimpact on Steam Mills and Newtown.”6 Option 1A new civic spine for CinderfordThemes: The vision is supported by eight themes:THEME 1: SUSTAINABLE PLACE-MAKING“The Northern Quarter will be a sustainablenew development that respects and celebratesthe area’s important landscape, habitats andcultural heritage. A Sustainable DevelopmentFramework is being prepared which will ensurethat sustainability is at the heart of the proposals.”THEME 2: ACCESSIBILITY AND MOVEMENT“The new link road through the site will playa vital role in providing access to the newdevelopment, but will also create a newand better link into Cinderford. Access forpedestrians, cyclists and buses will also beimproved.”THEME 3: EDUCATION AND LEARNING“The Royal Forest of Dean College, currentlybased in Coleford, is considering movingto a new location so that they can bringall their facilities into one campus. This sitewould be ideal for what they need andwould provide a great place to study.”THEME 4: LANDSCAPE, ENVIRONMENT ANDBIODIVERSITY“The Northern Quarter is in a beautiful environmentincluding woodland, open space and water. Thelandscape also reflects the long history of mining inthe area. These things will give the area the uniquecharacter which will make it a special place.”THEME 5: LIVING AND WORKING“The Northern Quarter will be a greatplace to live, work, study and relax. Amix of land uses will be included and itwill be important that these are welldesignedand carefully located.”THEME 6: HEALTHY LIVING,TOURISM AND LEISURE“A range of leisure actitivities suchas walking and cycling will beencouraged, alongside opportunitiesto promote access to the forest forleisure, tourism and education.”THEME 7: INTEGRATION WITH STEAM MILLSAND CINDERFORD TOWN CENTRE“The new development will link into the surroundingarea, with connecting streets and good transportlinks. The new development can work with theexisting communities by supporting existing facilitiesand by providing new ones which everyone can use. “THEME 8: DELIVERY AND PARTNERSHIP“Based on guidance in the new planningsystem it is important that we propose thingswhich we can deliver. We will work withstakeholders, developers and the public tocreate a plan which has broad support and wecan all help to deliver.”Summary1. New civic spine to Cinderfordwith the college / activitycentre, hotel and offices locatedon a new road connecting toCinderford Town Centre.2. College / activity centre setclose to the lake and related tolandscape. The college will havean open campus character withgreen spaces and water bodiesbetween the buildings, offeringspectacular views.3. Hotel located at the northerngateway to Cinderford.4. Steam Mills and New Townrevitalised with new businessspaces and housing connectingthrough to new civic spine.5. The Northern United site willprovide opportunities for highquality business space.6. Option 1 assumes the followingmix of uses:Option Option 11 - Masterplan - Masterplan diagram diagramA4136Gloucestershire Way5 mins’ walkA4136Housing allocationLocal PlanA4151 Steam Mills RoadBroadmoor RoadNKey principles: The Masterplan is based on two sets of principles:1. The Northern Quarter as an exemplar community- A ‘place’ in the forest;- Northern United, theLake and the Forest arerecognised as key assets;- An amenity hub forCinderford, Steam Mills,Ruardean, Drybrook andthe wider area;- A community built aroundcollege and employment;- Only a small area (18%) ofthe total site area will bedeveloped; and- High sustainability targetsfor all development.A4136NorthernUnitedThis drawing incorporates information from theOrdnance Survey which is © Crown Copyright.Core activitiesSteam Millsto Cinderfordtown centre2. Movement Framework- A new north-south spineroad;- A new east-west linkbetween Northern Unitedand Steam Mills;- Reduction of traffic onSteam Mills Road;- Provision of publictransport between thecollege, employmentareas, local communityand the wider area; and- A good network forwalking and cycling.A4136Gloucestershire WayThis drawing incorporates information from theOrdnance Survey which is © Crown Copyright.Bus routeSpine roadGloucestershire WayForest Vale RoadSteam Mills RoadBus routeBroadmoor Roadto Cinderfordtown centre- 36% residential(approximately 130dwellings);- 44% employment; and- 20% college / amenities.20%44%36%This drawing incorporates information from theOrdnance Survey which is © Crown Copyright.Option 1 - summaryNorthern United:Place to live & workEmployment onbrownfield siteSteam Mills &New Town mixed-useneighbourhoodCivic spinePForest Vale RoadKeyResidentialPedestrian routesP Parking (for college) Cycling routesOffices (B1)College centre / activity centreLight industry (B2)Primary road (A1436)College campusPrimary roadActivity centreSecondary roadPublic realmSite boundaryHotelGreen corridorPublic TransportResidential Employment College / amenitiesThis drawing incorporates information from theOrdnance Survey which is © Crown Copyright.10 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

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2.3 Officers’ andmembers’ briefingThe offi cers’ and members’ briefi ngtook place at the Forest of DeanDistrict Council offi ces in Colefordon Monday 18 May 2009. The eventprovided an informal session whereoffi cers and members could meetrepresentatives from the consultantteam in person to ask them questionsabout the project and the masterplanproposals. By way of assistance anexhibition presented the scope ofthe project, the three options putforward for the Northern Quarterand the rationale behind them.The event was attended by 29 people,including members of the projectteam. During the course of thesession a wide range of issues werediscussed regarding the programmeof work and the relative advantagesand disadvantages of each option.2.4 Steam Mills drop-inconsultationThe drop-in consultation was heldat Steam Mills School on Monday 18May 2009. The drop-in consultationwas open to the public, and hadbeen advertised in the local pressand other media. In addition theevent was publicised among youngerpeople at a number of local schools,which had incorporated a series oflessons and projects based aroundthe regeneration of the CinderfordNorthern Quarter into theirgeography curriculum. The youngpeople who attended this eventbrought their parents.A number of suggestions were madeat the event as follows:• Concern at the number of HeavyGoods Vehicles (HGVs) usingSteam Mills Road which is anuisance to residents (x2);• Provision of allotments;• Flooding of houses around theriver and the need to deal withthis issue before constructing anynew homes there;• The need to keep existing busroutes on Steam Mills Road inview of the proposed new roadthrough the Northern Quarter;• Use of local builders in theconstruction of new development;• Provision of a restaurant and/orcafe around Steam Mills lake;• Support for the location of thecollege and hotel on the raisedground next to Steam Mills Lake;• Wind turbines at the Brickworkssite;• Make the new route through thesite the most attractive for HGVs;and• Create a beach for swimmingat Steam Mills lake, and providepicnic tables for its enjoyment.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201113

2.5 Market stallThe market stall took place onTuesday 19 May in the centre ofCinderford. Assisted by the exhibition,the model and the comments planof Cinderford, members of theconsultant team answered questionsand informed members of the publicof their work over a four hourperiod. In addition, during this time,the team distributed around 750leafl ets to residents and visitors.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201115

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2.6 StakeholderworkshopThe stakeholder workshop tookplace on Tuesday 19 May at theMiners’ Welfare Hall in Cinderford.The purpose of the stakeholderworkshop was to engage withand bring together a series of keystakeholders who had been identifi edduring the baseline analysis asbeing crucial to the formation ofa robust masterplan and AAP. 39people attended the event includingconsultant team staff.The event was introduced by SteveWalker of Urban Practitioners whogave a brief introduction to the AAPand an update on the programmeof work ahead via a presentation.Following this, Vivek Nanda ofAlan Baxter Associates gave a fullexplanation of the three optionsconsidered.Each group was issued with aworksheet showing the three optionswhich they were encouraged toannotate with their suggestions in textand as diagram. The working groupswere facilitated by a member ofUrban Practitioners and Alan BaxterAssociates.Key topics which arose at thestakeholder workshop are summarisedas follows:Young people:• Provide something for teenagersNatural assets and landscape:• Make a feature of the stream• Footpath around lake• Lake is the most importantfeature• Retain edges of the lake forwildlife• Community sympathetic to lightindustry• Provide high-end technology• High quality affordable homes• Business support• Don’t front residential onto linkroadTransport:• Tramway into town• Apply speed limit to new road• Car park at lake is poor use of site– high quality apartments• Improve linkages between collegeand schoolCollege• Option 1 best college locationwith best links to the landscape.• Need to provide playing fi elds forthe college?• Don’t put hotel at NorthernUnited site as there isn’t enoughfootfall there• Bring tourism into the centre ofthe site• Provide activity centres for 5 –15 year olds• Provide resource/environmentcentre• We support the residentialoptions hereTo conclude the working groups, eachgroup presented their key messagesand suggestions back to the widergroup. This allowed everyone inthe room to appreciate the broadscope of responses from the entirestakeholder group.After this, the participants weregiven a short period to consider theoptions via the exhibition and model,and to answer questions of theconsultant team.The audience then split into smallergroups for workshop discussions.• Provide ‘edible landscape’ forcollegeLand uses• Keep activity in town centre• Light industry is good re-use ofbuildingsVisitor facilities and tourism• Provide a University level visitorcentre – ecology/geology• Rebrand hotel and multi-purposefacility• Good hotel location near the lakeCinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201117

The following groups wererepresented at the workshop:• Butterfl y Conservation;• Cinderford Football Club;• Cinderford Town Council;• Dean Forest Voice;• ET Parker;• Forest Artists’ Network DesignGroup;• Forest of Dean District Council;• Forest of Dean Friends of theEarth;••••••••••Gloucestershire County Council;Gloucestershire Naturalists’Society;Heywood Community School;Homes and Communities Agency;Northern United Group;Police;Real Ideas Organisation;Ruspidge and Soudley ParishCouncil;Two Rivers Housing; andRoyal Forest of Dean College.18 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

2.7 Youth conferenceThe youth conference took place onWednesday 20 May. It was establishedthrough links with 7 local schools andwas attended by 56 people, includinga mix of primary and secondaryschool pupils and staff.In advance of the event theregeneration of Cinderfordhad been addressed as a topicwithin the curriculum in the localschools, allowing the students togive a number of complex issuesconsideration over a series of weeks.As part of this work, pupils hadworked in groups at each schoolto create a short presentation tocommunicate what they perceivedto be the key issues, and to providesome of their views on these. Thesepresentations were given at the startof the conference.Steve Walker of Urban Practitionersgave a short presentation to explainthe Cinderford Northern QuarterAAP project, to highlight some of theissues which had been identifi ed bythe consultant team, and to describethe three options which had been putforward.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201119

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Following the presentation, thestudents were encouraged toexamine and discuss the threeoptions with consultants. In additionto the exhibition and model a graffi tiwall and options worksheet wereavailable to record comments. Playdough was provided at the commentsboard for students to model theirideas.Graffi ti wallWe don’t want Cinderford’sNorthern Quarter to…The graffi ti wall received 44responses, mostly regarding theimpact of proposals on the naturalenvironment, and refl ecting concernsat the type of new developmentwhich would be provided. Concernsrelating to the environmental impactof new development included lossof local wildlife habitats from newdevelopment, the impacts of humanactivity in terms of pollution and theloss of natural character, scenery andviews. Regarding new developmentthe main concerns were for thequality of new buildings and the lossof existing local character, includinghistoric sites. There was concernthat future uses would detract fromthe quality of the area, particularlyrestaurants and fastfood outlets,and there was a desire to see anappropriate mix of uses, rather thanlarge industrial buildings or housingestates.We want Cinderford’s NorthernQuarter to…There were 90 responses to thisquestion, a large proportion of whichrelated to provision of a wider rangeof shops and leisure/entertainmentfacilities. The natural environment wasrecognised as an important asset withmuch leisure/entertainment potential,for example, as a nature reserve/park/publicly accessible garden. There wasconsiderable support for promotionof tourism (infrastructure) within thearea (Information offi ce, hotel, youthhostel). Improvements to public realmquality and community safety andcohesion were also keenly sought.Options commentsThe following comments were maderegarding the three options.Option1• A pond to sit around• Mazes• Wildlife hospital• New footpath around the lake• Go ape centre in the forest• Flood drainage around the river• We don’t want the college by thelake because it might pollute thelake• We need more walks• The school might fl ood• Where are the children going togo to school that are living in thenew houses? Will you be able tomake Steam Mills School bigger?Option 2• Wildlife area near the Brickworks• Provide a school in the forest• The college is in a great place• We don’t want the lake to becontaminated.• Locate the hotel near the lake butnot too near.• We don’t want the college on thehill• Put new swimming pool on carpark site• More wildlife areas neededOption 3• New road• Doctors and dentists fronting theA4136• Hotel at good location• Wildlife area to the north of thelake• We need more ways through theforest• We want the hotel to be nearthe road• More footpaths in the forest andaround the lake• Provide drainage around the riverCinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201121

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2.8 QuestionnaireresponsesThe following analysis is based onfeedback in the 37 questionnaireswhich had been returned by the endof the consultation period.Vision and themes67% agree or strongly agree withthe vision and themes. Only 15%disagreed or strongly disagreed.Of those that disagreed, someconsidered that the vision andthemes placed insuffi cient emphasison the Northern Quarter as a living,working area. Others suggestedthat there is too much emphasison the area as a leisure destinationand that the development themesare incompatible with biodiversityand habitat character. Only onequestionnaire indicated fundamentalopposition to the principle ofdevelopment in the NorthernQuarter.Uses and activitiesThe questionnaire asked peopleto state whether they agreed ordisagreed with the provision ofcertain uses and activities in theNorthern Quarter. Overall therewas strong approval for the mix ofuses proposed.• 83% strongly agree or agree withtourism / recreation• 78% strongly agree or agree withcollege / activity centre• 77% strongly agree or agree withrenewable energy production• 75% strongly agree or agree witha hotel• 85% strongly agree or agree withemployment and business uses• 67% strongly agree or agree withaffordable housing• 56% strongly agree or agree withhousing.Design principlesPeople were asked to rank the designprinciples which they considered tobe most important for the masterplan.Scores were attributed to eachprinciple based on their ranking whichhas enabled an overall ranking of theprinciples as listed below:heritage (equal with);7. Close integration with Steam Millsand Newtown (equal with);8. Better bus and cycling links toCinderford; and9. Promoting the Northern Quarteras a new destination in its ownright.Masterplan optionsThe exhibition included three optionswhich illustrated alternative ways thatthe different parts of the NorthernQuarter could be designed. Thequestionnaire asked people to identifywhat the best option was in termsof eight categories. The table belowillustrates the proportion of peopleselecting each option as preferred.The table shows the clearcut preferredoptions (dark green), marginalpreferred options (light green),acceptable options (amber) andoptions which had a low approvalrating (red). The results are listedbelow:• New homes – option 2preferred;• College / community activitycentre – option 2 was marginallypreferred;• Business – option 2 preferred;• Existing communities – option 2preferred;• Wildlife / environment – option2 marginally preferred;• Tourism and leisure – option 2preferred;• Transport and access – option 3preferred; and• Northern United – option 2preferred.Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 AlternativeNew homes 29% 52% 16% 3%1. Respect for the forest and its College / activity centre 35% 36% 26% 3%wildlife;Business 17% 69% 10% 4%2. High standards for green buildingsExisting communities 17% 55% 24% 4%and energy generation;3. Use of local building materials and Wildlife and the environment 26% 37% 26% 11%styles;Tourism and leisure 6% 58% 26% 10%4. Improved road access in to the Transport and access 11% 37% 41% 11%Northern Quarter and Cinderford;5. High quality modern design and Northern United site 11% 61% 25% 3%architecture;Average rating of option 19% 51% 24% 6%6. Integration of social and culturalCinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201123

VISION AND THEMES1. Please tick the boxes provided to tell us what you think about the vision and themes. Youcan also provide written comments in the box at the bottom of the page.USES AND ACTIVITIES2. The Northern Quarter could include a wide range of uses and activities. Please tick theboxes to tell us what you think about each of the uses.Cinderford Northern QuarterQuestionnaireCollege with community activity centreHousingAffordable housingEmployment and business usesHotelTourism and recreationRenewable energy productionDESIGN PRINCIPLES3. We need to decide which principles are most important for the masterplan design. Please choose three things fromthis list which you think are the most important and number the boxes (1 – first choice, 2 – second choice, 3 – thirdchoice)StronglyagreeStronglydisagreeMASTERPLAN OPTIONS4. Please tick the boxes provided to tell us what you think about the vision and themes. You can also providewritten comments in the box at the bottom of the page.New homesCollegeBusinessExistingcommunitiesOption 1 Option 2 Option 3 Your alternative idea(please use space provided to explain your idea)Please use this box to record any further thoughts, for instance areas you feel we may have missed or any concerns you may have....Wildlife andenvironmentTourism andleisureTransportand accessNorthernUnited siteFTsDMWtFR9PAcwwTTfonHigh standards for green buildings and energy generationRespect for the forest and its wildlifeUse of local building materials and stylesIntegration of social and cultural heritageHigh quality modern design and architectureImproved road access into the Northern Quarter and to CinderfordBetter bus and cycling links to CinderfordClose integration with Steam Mills and NewtownPromoting the Northern Quarter as a new destination in its own rightFurther comments: Please use this space to make any comments on questions 1 to 3Further comments: Please use this space to make any comments on the optionsReturning this formOnce you have had chance to look at the plans please answer the questions on the leaflet and return it to us by Friday 12June 2009. There is a box to leave it in at the exhibition, or you can post it to us at one of the addresses below. You canalso use these contact details to get in touch with us if you have any questions.Wendy JacksonCinderford Regeneration ManagerForest of Dean District CouncilHigh StreetColefordGloucestershireGL16 8HG01594 812645wendy.jackson@fdean.gov.ukSteve WalkerDirectorUrban Practitioners70 Cowcross StreetLondon EC1M 6EJ020 7253 2223steve.walker@urbanpractitioners.co.uk24 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

1. Vision and themes12%2. Uses and activities - housing19%3%27%40%18%Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree11%Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree14%40%16%2. Uses and activities - college / community activity3%11%2. Uses and activities - affordable housing18%8%6%11%67%Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree9%49%Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree18%Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201125

2. Uses and activities - employment and business uses3% 2%10%2. Uses and activities - tourism and recreation8%0%9%Strongly agreeStrongly agreeAgreeAgree23%NeutralDisagree19%NeutralDisagree62%Stronglydisagree64%Stronglydisagree2. Uses and activities - hotel11%2. Uses and activities - renewable energy production0% 3%6%20%8%Strongly agree56%Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree6%AgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree19%71%26 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

3. Design principles scored according to priorityPromoting the Northen Quarter as a newdestination in its own rightClose integration with Steam Mills andNewtownBetter bus and cyciling links to CinderfordImproved road access in to the NorthernQuarter and CinderfordHigh quality modern design andarchitectureIntegration of social and cultural heritageUse of local building materials and stylesRespect for the forest and its wildlifeHigh standards for green buildings andenergy generation0 10 20 30 40 50 60Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201127

4. Masterplan options - new homes16%3%29%4. Masterplan options - business10%4%17%Option 1Option 2Option 3Alternative ideaOption 1Option 2Option 3Alternative idea52%69%4. Masterplan options - college / community activity centre3%4. Masterplan options - existing communities4%17%26%35%24%Option 1Option 2Option 3Alternative ideaOption 1Option 2Option 3Alternative idea36%55%28 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

4. Masterplan options - wildlife and environment11%4. Masterplan options - transport and access11%11%26%26%Option 1Option 2Option 3Alternative idea41%37%Option 1Option 2Option 3Alternative idea37%4. Masterplan options - tourism and leisure10%6%4. Masterplan options - Northern United3%11%25%26%Option 1Option 2Option 3Alternative ideaOption 1Option 2Option 3Alternative idea58%61%Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201129

2.9 WrittensubmissionsMore detailed written submissionshave been received from the followinggroups:• Forest of Dean Friends of theEarth;• Gloucestershire County Council;• Steam Mills Anglers; and• James Swanson, HartpuryCollege.Feedback from each group issummarised below.Forest of Dean Friends of theEarthThe FODFOE response promotesa series of projects and initiatives inthe Northern Quarter under theoverarching banner of a “nature fi rst”approach. The submission suggeststhat these are examined through thedevelopment of an outline feasibilitystudy including a detailed assessmentof environmental conditions.Proposals are summarised as follows:• Restoration of Northern Unitedas an environment Centre forschools, college students andvisitors with an emphasis ontourism and education in relationto habitats, species, geology,hydrology and history. Theproposals suggest a number ofpossibilities for monitoring andrecording species and habitatinformation.• The proposal emphasises theimportance of vistas and naturalbeauty with an opportunity topromote green fi ngers into thetown centre from the Linear Parkfollowing historically and naturallyauthentic edges and routes.• The submission promotes a newvisitor and information centre andprovision of route maps.• The submission also encouragesthe greening of the industrialestate areas as a means ofattracting new businesses.• Provision of smaller starter unitswith exemplar sustainable designfeatures.• Promoting environmental skillssuch as coppicing which couldform the basis of products such asfurniture and baskets.• The submission identifi es the rolethat environmental activity andvolunteer schemes could play inimproving skills for young peopleand the unemployed, as well asaiding the mental wellbeing ofpeople suffering from depressionand promoting a sense of pride inthe local area.• Local nature and landscape isacknowledged as having thepotential to unite the localcommunity, and also act as a focusfor funding and partner bodies at aregional and national scale.• In the context of climate change,FODFOE underlines the need toprotect and enhance habitats toensure that corridors exist for thesurvival of rare species. The “KeyWildlife Site” and “English NatureUnimproved Grassland InventorySite” are identifi ed as importantdesignations for consideration.In addition to specifi c proposals andsuggestions for environmental projects,the FODFOE submission also makes anumber of observations in relation tothe FODDC Local Plan and the LocalPlan Review specifi cally the Inspectorscomments in relation to Pre-InquiryChange to the (R)F. Cinderford 17 site.These comments and Local PlanInquiry references are extremelyimportant and will be considered indetail as part of the development ofa formal preferred option for theNorthern Quarter. However, it isimportant to note that the purposeof the project is to contribute tothe preparation of a new LocalDevelopment Framework whichwill replace the adopted Local Plan.Whilst the issues discussed in theInspectors Report are of relevanceand will feed into the evolution ofa preferred option, the currentmasterplan and design process is nottied to the conclusions of the LocalPlan Inquiry.The submission also registersconcern in relation to fl ooding andhydrology, suggesting that the sitewould not be appropriate for housing.The submission concludes byquoting the concluding remarksof the Inspector in relation to thechallenge of achieving economicregeneration whilst taking advantageof the strengths. The sentiment ofthese statements has resonance withthe approach being taken on theAAP and Masterplan with a focuson the principles of good design andsustainability.30 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

Gloucestershire County CouncilGCC acknowledge that the preferredoption should include elements romall three options. GCC highlight thekey principle of situating major useson the site where that can be mosteasily served by public transport.GCC also support permeabledevelopment to encourage cyclingand walking.GCC highlight the lake as the keyasset for the site and recommendthat the college and hotel are situatedin this location. Renewable energy isalso supported as a key principle.Further specifi c feedback is listedbelow:• Parking - need to clarify collegeparking requirements and ensurethat a prime site is not occupiedby parking.• Activity centre - this should beclose to one of the main routesthrough the development witheasy access by public transport• Northern United - GCCindicated that housing is notsupported at the NorthernUnited site in relation totransport issues associated withthe site’s isolation from the restof the area.• Waste - GCC commentshighlight the need for morespecifi c consideration of on-sitewaste management, particularlybiowaste. Potential for renewableenergy generation througha district heating network ishighlighted as a possibility.• Minerals - GCC highlight that thestudy area includes a signifi cantdeposit of coal, fi reclay and redburning brick shale. This issuehas been followed up in a seriesof more detailed meetings anddiscussions.• Hotel / tourism - GCC supportthe provision of a high end hotelwith conference and meetingfacilities and high quality foodoffer.• Education and community facilities- a general issue to be consideredis the potential S106 requirementsassociated with the development.Steam Mills AnglingThe Angling Club rent the lakefrom the Forestry Commission andcomprise an overall membership ofabout 450 people. The group made anumber of suggestions for projects orinitiatives:• New lake for disabled and younganglers (south on brickwork clayextraction land).• Provision of a new level track /pathway.• Use spoil in lake to createshallower conditions.• Creation of a new building withamenities and education centre.• Restrict access to lower pool inrelation to newt population.• Improvements to Linear Park walk.• Upgrades to existing path.• Creation of wildlife sanctuary forspawning / nesting.• Provision of information boards.• Increase stock of fi sh.• Designate as a quiet and peacefularea.• Create fl oating islands with rushes.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201131

James Swanson, HartburyCollegeJames Swanson highlighted out anumber of environmental issuesassociated with the NorthernQuarter proposals. The key issuesraised were as follows:• If present, a population of AtlanticSalmon, a European Protectedspecies under the HabitatsDirective, and other habitats, willneed to be positively protected.• Mitigation measures will needto be put in place to addressfl ooding downstream, waterabstraction, water quality anddesignated sites downstream.• The College does not supportconstruction of a new accessroad for Cinderford and asmaller access road to theNorthern United site as thesepotentially cross foraging routesfor European protected speciesand does not meet the SouthWest Region’s sustainabilityobjectives. The College wouldlike to see an option which doesnot include new roads.• The report should provide moreinformation on the protectedspecies at the site and the onimpacts of development onthem. It should also providemore information on mitigationmeasures, monitoring of these,and monitoring of constructionwork for potential damage.• Habitat enhancement andcreation could include:* Improved management of theLinear Park* Designation of the Linear Parkand wider area as a StatutoryLocal Nature Reserve* Access improvements to theLinear Park* Establishment of a CinderfordNature Conservation Volunteergroup* Improved public realm, openspace an environmentalmanagement of Cinderforditself.• The proposals should be assessedin relation to the population ofGreater and Lesser Horseshoebats across the Forest of Deanand Wye Valley.• Concerns that the relocationchallenges for the Forest ofDean College could have adverseimpacts on the proposals.• The Hartpury College submissionalso requests that the proposalsshould be accompanied bydata on the total size of areadevelopment, varying size of32 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011development footprints, locationsand types of access road.These comments have been fed intothe emerging masterplan. However,in response to these comments, theconsultant team issued a response topoint out that:• The Baseline Report will beamended with up-to-date fl oodinginformation commissioned by theForest of Dean District Council• Hydrology mitigation measuresare currently being devised inconsultation with the EnvironmentAgency. However, these mayinclude land-raising, culverting orde-culverting, alternative fl oodplains, sustainable urban drainage,grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting.• The spine road alignment is alonga fi rebreak section and the roadoptions have been reassessedwith Gloucester County Councilat the start of 2009 using upto-datetraffi c counts on SteamMills Road. The proposed roadaddresses movement constraintsat Nailbridge junction and toprovide better access to theNorthern Quarter for all modesof transport. The location andtype of access road will be testedas part of the AAP and SA work.• A new vehicular access road isnecessary to provide good accessfor new development, althoughthe aim is primary to encouragewalking and cycling.• Protected species are identifi edin the Baseline Report andmitigation measures are beingdesigned with environmentalconsultants, Natural England andother stakeholders.• All the proposals have beenscreened against impacts onGreater and Lesser Horseshoebats, and the consultant teamis working with bat specialiststo ensure that developmentswill not impact negatively onthe existing bat population. Thiswill include a screening againstHabitat Regulations.• The Linear Park suggestionsare noted, but biodiversitymanagement regimes will needto be set up for areas whichfall within the proposal siteboundary.• The development footprint is theproduct of local plan allocations,a 2007 Business Plan and siteconstraints.

2.10 Summary ofqualitative feedbackThis section provides a summary ofthe most common responses whichwere submitted via the questionnaireand during the consultation eventsthemselves.College• Notwithstanding the strongsupport for a college / activitycentre on site, there was amixture of feedback regardinglocating the college and hotelnext to lake.• Provide college playing fi elds.Lake• The lake is the most importantasset.• There should be no developmentdirectly abutting the lake due tothe possible pollution impacts,and the edges should be retainedfor wildlife.• Greater use could be madeof the lake by providing picnictables, a restaurant or café, abeach at the edge of the lake, afootpath round it.Biodiversity and landscape• Many are concerned about theimpact of development on thenatural environment, in terms ofloss of habitat and character.• There is a need for high qualityand sensitive design.• Natural features should beprotected, enhanced and mademore accessible.• There was support for a wildlife/ecological / geological visitorcentre for a wide range of ages.• Fireclay reserves should beprotected.• Allotments could be provided.Hotel, tourism and leisure• There is support for a hotel/ hostel on the AAP site. Thisshould be located near thecollege with good road access.• Natural environment shouldbe seen as a tourism asset withpotential – a setting, a focus forenvironmental attractions and inits own right.• Other low-environmental impacttourism suggestions included aMaze and Go Ape.Other land uses and activities• The AAP could support useswhich provide for teenagers andyoung people.• A wide range of shops andentertainments are desired, andthere is a need for communityinfrastructure as well as affordablehousing.• Two questionnaires indicatedsupport for locating asupermarket in the NorthernQuarter rather than the towncentre.• Light industry could provide agood re-use of many buildings onthe site.• Tourism could provided a strongbase for a revitalised localeconomy.Transport and movement• HGV movements should runthrough site rather than via SteamMills Road.• Existing bus routes on SteamMills Road should be maintainedirrespective of the creation of anew road.• Apply a speed limit to the newroad.• Any new/relocated car parkshould not be located on avaluable part of the site.• Linkages should be improvedbetween the college and theschool and there is scopefor general public realmenhancements.• Prioritise green travel withdesignated routes.Sustainability• Provide of wind turbines onbrickwork site.• Use local builders forconstruction.• Promote high-end technologyand green industries.• Building design should refl ect thenatural qualities of the forest.Flooding• Resolve current fl oodingand drainage issues beforeconstructing further homes.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201133

3. Preferred Options consultation (2009)3.1 OverviewThis version of the AAP presentedthe Council’s preferred option for theNorthern Quarter.The consultation period on thepreferred options document andSustainability Appraisal commencedon Monday 19 October 2009 andended on Friday 27 November 2009.During this 6 week period theexhibition was displayed in a rangeof locations as advertised.3.2 ExhibitionmaterialsA copy of the exhibition is providedon the following pages.Copies of the AAP preferredoptions and Sustainability Appraisaldocuments were made available toview at all local libraries, the mobilelibrary, Forest of Dean DistrictCouncil main reception, CinderfordTown Council and all surroundingTown Parish Councils.Consultees could view and downloadthe full version of the AAP preferredoptions document and SustainabilityAppraisal from the “Community& Living” web pages at the FoDDCwebsite. The Council made thedocuments available for onlinecomment using “Limehouse”consultation software to feedback onkey sections in the preferred optionsreport.34 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

Cinderford NorthernQuarter Masterplanand Area Action Plan2 Project backgroundThe work we are doing now follows on from importantstudies which have already been done, including the LocalPlan Review (2005) and Cinderford Business Plan (2007)Welcome to the preferredoptions exhibition!Thank you for taking a few minutes to look at thisexhibition. We are here to find out what you think aboutthe current plans for the Cinderford Northern Quarter.The Forest of Dean District Council (FoDDC) has appointeda team of consultants to prepare a Masterplan and AreaAction Plan (AAP) for the Northern Quarter in Cinderford.Area Action Plans are designed to address areas ofsignificant change, including sites where regenerationopportunities need to be sensitively balanced withconservation concerns. They ensure that development is ofan appropriate scale, mix and quality for its location.This version of the AAP presents the Council’s preferredoption for the Northern Quarter. It is a consultation editionand is expected to change further following feedback.Once finalised, the Area Action Plan will sit within theFoDDC Local Development Framework (LDF), the Council’ssuite of Local Development Documents. It will contain alist of policies specific to the Northern Quarter area whichwill be used to judge planning applications for the site.The AAP will replace the specific guidance for the NorthernQuarter which is outlined in the adopted Local Plan (2005).A Sustainability Appraisal (SA) has been prepared toidentify any positive and negative impacts which the planscould have on the local community, environment andeconomy. The SA will be used to monitor the AAP in thefuture.As well as the Council, the steering group for theproject includes the Homes and Communities Agency,Gloucestershire County Council, Royal Forest of DeanCollege, and the Forestry Commission.WaterEducation CentreEco-visitor CentreHotelResidentialIndustryCar ParkEmployment led Mixed-useHealth CareLandscapeActivity CentrePrimary RoadSecondary RoadFind out moreThe consultation period on the preferred options document andSustainability Appraisal starts on Monday 19 October 2009 and endson Friday 27 November 2009.During this 6 week period the exhibition will be on display in a rangeof locations as advertised.Copies of the AAP preferred options and Sustainability Appraisaldocuments will be available to view at all local libraries, the mobilelibrary, Forest of Dean District Council main reception, CinderfordTown Council and all surrounding Town Parish Councils.Project websiteYou can view and download the full version of the AAP preferredoptions document and Sustainability Appraisal from the “Community& Living” web pages at the FoDDC website. You can use the Council’sonline “Limehouse” software to feedback on key sections in thepreferred options report. You can also download a copy of thisexhibition as well as a number of background documents whichsupport the AAP:www.cinderfordregeneration.orgwww.fdean.gov.ukNorthernUnitedCharacter AreasNorthern UnitedEnterprise ParkLinear ParkNorthernQuarterCentreA4136Steam MillsVillage WestForest ValeNorth0 500mPreferred options proposals, see board 5 for more detailsA4151Steam MillsBroadmoor RoadSteam Mills RoadForest Vale Industrial ParkNTimeline and milestonesLOCAL PLAN, 2005- Forest of Dean Local Plan Reviewwas published in 2005.- The Local Plan Review identi es aseries of development sites in theNorthern Quarter for a range ofactivities including employment,residential, leisure and recreationuses.- The plan protects the proposedextension of Forest Vale spine roadto Steam Mills.BUSINESS PLAN, 2007- A business plan was prepared in2007. The document indicateskey priorities for the regenerationof Cinderford with a focus onthe Government’s Coal eldsProgramme funding.- As part of this. detailed consultationwas undertaken on four optionswhich led to a preferred option.Background documentsThe Masterplan and AAP have been informed by a series of documents which are summarisedin the adjacent diagram. The key pieces of work are:• The Cinderford Business Plan (2007) which established a preferred option in terms of roadalignment and land uses for the Northern Quarter. Although the final Business Plan was thestarting point for the current Masterplan and AAP, the project team has looked at the optionsagain to make sure that the Business Plan preferred option is still the best approach for theNorthern Quarter.• Baseline report for the AAP (Spring 2008) which identified social, economic andenvironmental constraints and opportunities for the Northern Quarter, providing a startingpoint for the generation of a Masterplan and AAP.• Informal consultation on the draft Masterplan (May 2009) in which 3 different masterplanoptions were reviewed by the public to inform the development of a preferred option.• Sustainability Appraisal scoping report consultation (June 2009) which establishedsustainability objectives for the AAP in consultation with statutory public authorities andmembers of the public and formed the basis of the Sustainability Appraisal.The Masterplan and AAPAREA ACTION PLAN (AAP)AAPCONTEXT- The AAP will bea new planningdocument whichreplaces theparts of the LocalPlan which relateto the NorthernQuarter site.APRIL 2009: Coalfield Fundingconfirmed! £14.75 million forCinderford regeneration announced.Informal consultation on the draft ideas: May 2009Consultation on Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report: June 2009Three main documents are being prepared to help guide development in the NorthernQuarter as follows:• Area Action Plan - this will be the statutory planning document which identifies policiesto steer development proposals and assess planning applications. It is supported by aSustainability Appraisal.• Masterplan and Design Code - the Masterplan and Design Code provides an illustrationof the preferred development scenario for the Northern Quarter. It does not have formalplanning status.• The Sustainable Development Framework ( SDF) is an overarching framework whichidentified early sustainability objectives to ensure that the proposals meet local, regional andnational sustainable development aspirations.Formal consultation on AAP preferred options and SA:19 October - 27 November 2009CinderfordBusinessPlanDecember2007Heritage andArchaeologyStudySeptember 2009SAScopingreportMay 2009Publication: February 2010TransportOptionsAssessmentMarch 2009Submission: May 2010ConsultationReportAugust 2009Adoption October 2010SustainabilityAppraisalOctober 2009BaselineReportMay 2009IMPLEMENTATIONDelivery of proposals forNorthern QuarterContinued partnership workingbetween key stakeholders, deliveryagencies and local communityArea Action PlanPreferred options report, October 2009Submission draft, 2010SustainableDevelopmentFrameworkMay 2009E V I D E N C E B A S ECinderfordRegenerationSite, EcologicalAppraisal ReportMay 2009StrategicFeasibility ofRenewableEnergySeptember 2009Masterplan andDesign CodeDraft report, October 2009Final report, 2010MarketReviewJune 2009Strategic Flood RiskAssessment,Cinderford, Level 2September 2009Family of Northern Quarter documentsScreeningAgainstHabitatRegulationsAugust 2009TransportStrategyOctober2009MiningLegacyAssessmentAugust 2009Appraisalof floodriskOctober2009Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201135

3 Our Vision:“The Northern Quarter will become an attractive destination for local people in Cinderfordand surrounding communities. It will make the most of the beautiful landscape and will sethigh standards for design and sustainability. Set within a green campus environment, theNorthern Quarter will feature a range of new facilities including an educational facility. Thedevelopment will also bring wider benefits to the area including a new road access that willreduce traffic impact on Steam Mills and Newtown.”4 Key principlesThe Area Development Framework defines four key principleswhich sit above the Masterplan proposals and specificplanning policy guidance in the AAP.Ruardean HillThemes: The vision is supported by eight themes:THEME 1: SUSTAINABLE PLACE-MAKING“The Northern Quarter will be a sustainable newdevelopment that respects and celebrates thearea’s important landscape, habitats and culturalheritage. A Sustainable Development Frameworkaccompanies the Masterplan to guide theMasterplan at all levels.”THEME 2: ACCESSIBILITY AND MOVEMENT“A new link road through the site will play a vitalrole in providing access to the new development,but will also create a new and better link intoCinderford. Access for pedestrians, cyclists andbuses will also be improved.”THEME 3: EDUCATION AND LEARNING“The Royal Forest of Dean College, currentlybased in Coleford, is considering movingto a new location so that they can bring alltheir facilities into one campus. With thecollege, this site will offer a large range ofhigher education and create a great place tostudy and learn.”THEME 5: LIVING AND WORKING“The Northern Quarter will be agreat place to live, work, study andrelax. The Masterplan will provide amix of residential, community andemployment uses which will becarefully designed and located.”THEME 6: HEALTHY LIVING, TOURISMAND LEISURE“A range of leisure activities such aswalking and cycling will be encouraged,alongside a hotel, café and eco-visitorcentre to promote access to the forest forleisure, sustainable tourism and education.”THEME 7: INTEGRATION WITH STEAM MILLSAND CINDERFORD TOWN CENTRE“The new development will be linked to thesurrounding area, with connecting streets andgood transport links promoting sustainable modesof travel. The new development will work with theexisting communities by supporting existing facilitiesand by providing new ones which everyone can use. “1. A Place in the Forest:• The Northern Quarter will be transformed as a place in the forest;• The site will become a local amenity centre for the surroundingcommunities of Steam Mills, Drybrook, Ruardean and Cinderford; and• A new community will be built around a mixed-use centre andemployment space including new offices, a hotel, an education centreand an eco-visitor and activity centre.2. Landscape connections:• The lake and the forest are recognised as key assets;• The development is situated between the forest edges on formerbrownfield land; and• Watercourses and floodplain become green fingers in thedevelopment.NorthernUnited1. A PLACE IN THE FORESTDrybrookSteam MillsHousingEmploymentEducationTourismto Cinderfordtown centreTHEME 4: LANDSCAPE, ENVIRONMENT ANDBIODIVERSITY“The Northern Quarter is in a beautiful environmentincluding woodland, open space and water. Thelandscape also reflects the long history of miningin the area. The Masterplan will be designed torespond to the landscape setting and to take activemeasures to protect and enhance the biodiversity ofthe site.”THEME 8: DELIVERY AND PARTNERSHIP“Based on guidance in the new planningsystem it is important that the plan isdeliverable. The Masterplan is designedworking closely with stakeholders, developersand the public to create a plan which hasbroad support and is realistic.”Objectives: These themes have been broken into eleven objectives which outline the key priorities for the Masterplan and AAP:Objective 1: To promote high standards of sustainable designincluding climate change adaptation and mitigation and renewableenergy provisionObjective 2: To realise the site’s potential as a local amenity centre forsurrounding communitiesObjective 3: To unlock the development potential of the site throughthe development of a new spine road which will enhance theaccessibility of the Northern Quarter and CinderfordObjective 4: To achieve sustainable transport patterns throughimproved accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and busesObjective 5: To facilitate the regeneration of the Northern Quarterthrough the development of an educational facilityObjective 6: To ensure that development respects the area’s importantlandscape, habitats and cultural heritageObjective 7: To protect and enhance the biodiversity value of theNorthern QuarterObjective 8: To deliver an appropriate balance of employment,residential, community and leisure uses across the siteObjective 9: To promote a wide range of leisure activities in theNorthern Quarter to promote access to the forestObjective 10: To ensure that the development is carefully integratedwith Steam Mills, New Town and Cinderford Town Centre in terms ofamenities and physical connectionsObjective 11: To ensure that the plan is deliverable and has a broadbase of support3. Movement framework:• A new north-south spine road will serve Cinderford and the NorthernQuarter;• A new east-west link will be created between Northern United andSteam Mills;• Reduction of traffic on Steam Mills Road;• Provision of public transport between the education facility,employment areas, town centre and the wider area; and• A good network for walking and cycling.4. Sustainability principles:• High sustainability targets for all development: Code for SustainableHomes level 4 and rising, BREEAM excellent for commercialdevelopment.• Provision of an energy centre• High levels of affordable housing.2. LANDSCAPE CONNECTIONSSpine road3. MOVEMENT FRAMEWORKForest Vale RoadSteam Mills RoadBroadmoor Roadto Cinderfordtown centre36 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

5 Preferred MasterplanThe plan below illustrates the main proposals for theNorthern Quarter:6 AAP preferred optionsreportThe AAP preferred option report provides a detailed summary of thebackground to the proposals and a series of draft policies which will formthe basis of the adopted AAP.The proposals are described according to fivecharacter areas:Northern Quarter CentreA mixed-use core of the Masterplan, locatedalong the main road where uses include theeducation facility, high quality employmentspace, a hotel and an eco-visitor and activitycentre. Offers a residential edge to the lake andsome residential to the east, integrating withthe character area of Steam Mills Village.Steam Mills Village WestAn extension to the existing communities ofSteam Mills and New Town, providing a new,quiet residential neighbourhood in a leafysetting.Northern United Enterprise ParkExisting and future employment sites, includingthe area of the former Northern United Colliery.These employment uses will be sensitive to thelandscape setting and to the mining history ofNorthern United and will include innovativeenterprises and employment spaces possiblywith live-work units.Forest Vale NorthA small character area to the south-east, itis a seamless continuation of the Forest ValeIndustrial Park and will contain office and lightindustrial employment space. In addition tothe business uses, a new healthcare facilitywill be located just south of New Town. Largeparts of the character area are in the functionalfloodplain and will contain uses compatiblewith the floodplain, such as car parking.Linear ParkThe Linear Park character area is the northernend of the entire Linear Park, stretching northto south at the west of Cinderford. The park willbe preserved in its natural-rural state as a placefor recreation and conservation of habitats andheritage features. Its greatest asset is the lake inthe development area.The site also contains large amounts of forest,which will not be developed and merges withsurrounding forests outside the site boundary.NorthernUnitedCharacter AreasNorthern UnitedEnterprise ParkLinear ParkNorthernQuarterCentreA4136Preferred option masterplanKeyWaterEducation CentreEco-visitor CentreHotelResidentialIndustryCar ParkSteam MillsVillage WestForest ValeNorth0 500mNA4151Steam MillsBroadmoor RoadSteam Mills RoadForest Vale Industrial ParkEmployment led Mixed-useHealth CareLandscapeActivity CentrePrimary RoadSecondary RoadScope of the AAPThe Area Action Plan preferred options report provides adetailed overview of the emerging proposals for the NorthernQuarter. It includes the following information:• Background to the AAP, including a review of relevantplanning policies and the findings of baseline research;• Overview of options considered within the CinderfordBusiness Plan (2007), the Northern Quarter TransportStrategy (2009) and the Masterplan options (May 2009), anda rationale for those dismissed;• Vision, themes, objectives and Area DevelopmentFramework, as set out in this exhibition;• A series of draft policy statements supported by indicativeplans and diagrams from the Masterplan and Design Codedocument;• An implementation chapter outlining suggested phasing,arrangements for monitoring the AAP and a series ofspecific projects to support the progression and delivery ofproposals for the Northern Quarter.Next stepsFollowing this consultation the AAP will be reviewed in response toconsultation feedback. The document will then be published in February2010, and submitted to the independent planning inspector in May2010. Subject to any necessary amendments it will then be formallyadopted in October 2010 following Examination in Public.Once the AAP has been adopted, proposals and supporting studies andstrategies will need to be worked up in detail by developers.The AAP establishes a firm commitment to continue working withstakeholders and organisations as well as the general public. FoDDCwill ensure that people are kept well-informed of progress on theproject. There will be further opportunities to comment on proposals asthey emerge in more detail.How to commentWe are really interested to hear what you have to say about the preferredoptions. Once you have had a chance to look at the plans please answerthe questions on the leaflet and return it to us by Friday 20 November2009 using the Freepost label. You can leave it in the box provided hereat the exhibition, or you can post it to us at the freepost address below.All responses will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 in ForestShopping Vouchers!CINDERFORD AAPFREEPOST GL 34Council OfficesHigh StreetColefordGlocestershireGL16 8HGYou can also get in touch with theCinderford Regeneration Manager, WendyJackson if you have any questions aboutthe project, either using the address above,or by telephone or email:Wendy Jackson01594 812645wendy.jackson@fdean.gov.ukDraft policy statements33 draft policies have been defined under a series of headingsas follows:Northern Quarter strategic rolePolicy 1: Strategic amenityPolicy 2: Cross-cutting approach to sustainabilityDeliveryPolicy 3 PhasingPolicy 4: Partnership workingPolicy 5: Developer contributions and procurementCharacter area statementsPolicy 6: Northern Quarter character areasUrban designPolicy 7: Masterplan and design codesPolicy 8: Key design principlesPolicy 9: Sustainability and design standardsPolicy 10: Landscape and public realm strategyPolicy 11: Height and densityPolicy 12: HeritagePolicy 13: Views and vistasTransport, movement and connectivityPolicy 14: AccessibilityPolicy 15: Road hierarchy and link roadPolicy 16: Pedestrian networkPolicy 17: Cycling networkPolicy 18: Public transportPolicy 19: Parking,Land use and activitiesPolicy 20: New educational usesPolicy 21: Employment usesPolicy 22: Residential developmentPolicy 23: Hotel and visitor facilitiesPolicy 24: Anciliary retail usesPolicy 25: Health, community uses and social infrastructureEnvironment and landscapePolicy 26: HabitatsPolicy 27: FloodingPolicy 28: Sustainable drainage systemsPolicy 29: MiningPolicy 30: Contaminated land and groundwaterPolicy 31: MineralsWaste and energyPolicy 32: WastePolicy 33: Renewable energyCinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201137

3.3 Questionnaireresponses11 questionnaire responses werereceived in response to the miniquestionnaireand accompanyingFreepost label which appeared in thelocal newspaper.Although not a statistically signifi cantsample, the adjacent diagrams highlightthat proposals for the NorthernQuarter Centre, Forest Vale Northand Steam Mills Village West weresupported by the majority ofconsultees who responded. Responsesto Northern United Enterprise Parkwere more balanced.Cinderford Northern QuarterArea Action Plan Preferred options consultationWe want your feedback on the emerging preferred options shown in thisweek’s Review. Please complete this short questionnaire and send it backto Forest of Dean District Council using the Freepost details below by 20November 2009.Please tick the boxes to tell us what you think of thefollowing proposals as shown in the plan.NORTHERN QUARTER CENTRE: Education centre,employment space, hotel, eco-visitor centre and someresidential usesSTEAM MILLS VILLAGE WEST: New residentialneighbourhood forming an extension to Steam MillsNORTHERN UNITED ENTERPRISE PARK: High qualityenterprise and employment space and possiblylive-work unitsFOREST VALE NORTH: Continuation of Forest ValeIndustrial Park with high quality office and lightindustrial spaceStronglyagreeStronglydisagreeOne lucky reader will win £50 in Forest Gift Vouchers, simply by returningtheir completed questionnaire using the FREEPOST form on the front page.The winning form will be drawn on 27 November 2009. Forest Gift Vouchersare available to spend in almost 100 local shops and are valid for 6 months.Please write your name andcontact details in this space(details will only be used forthe purpose of the prize draw):Cinderford Northern Quarter Area Action PlanWe want your views on the emerging proposals!Please turn to the centre pages to nd out more about thepreferred options for the Northern Quarter.You can feedback to Forest of Dean District Councilby lling in the questionnaire and returning it using theFreepost label below. Simply cut out the label and attach itto an envelope. All responses will be entered into a prizedraw to win £50 in Forest Shopping Vouchers!38 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011• The formal consultation period runs from12 October to 20 November 2009.• From 12 October, visit the “Community &Living” web pages at www.fdean.gov.uk toview more information.CINDERFORDNORTHERNQUARTER

NORTHERNQUARTERCENTRE:Educationcentre,employmentspace,hotel,ecovisitorcentreandsomeresidentialusesNORTHERNUNITEDENTERPRISEPARK:Highqualityenterpriseandemploymentspaceandpossiblyliveworkunits18%0%StronglyagreeAgree45%46%StronglyagreeAgreeNeutralNeutral55%DisagreeStronglydisagreeDisagreeStronglydisagree27%STEAMMILLSVILLAGEWEST:NewresidentialneighbourhoodforminganextensiontoSteamMills0%0%FORESTVALENORTH:ContinuationofForestValeIndustrialParkwithhighqualityofficeandlightindustrialspace18%18%0%0%18%StronglyagreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree9%StronglyagreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStronglydisagree64%9%64%0%Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201139

3.4 RepresentationsreceivedAppendix 1 provides a full list ofrepresentations on the PreferredOptions report. These responsesinclude comments submitted throughthe Council’s Limehouse system aswell as letters received electronicallyor in hard format.Responses were received from arange of statutory consultees, localstakeholders and members of thepublic.40 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

4. Consultation on Further Consultation Report (2011)4.1 OverviewIn the period following the formalconsultation, a number of externalfactors have infl uenced the AAPstrategy. This raised the followingquestions about specifi c aspects ofthe masterplan:• The way in which importanttransport infrastructure andthe proposed new highwaysare delivered to help facilitatedevelopment; and• The way in which the keyeducation use will be deliveredand its precise location.Comments on other aspects ofthe emerging AAP were howeverwelcomed and have been consideredalongside the representations on thePreferred Options report prior to thefi nal publication of the AAP.4.2 RepresentationsComments received are published inAppendix 2 to this report.Changes to the Preferred Optionsreport and masterplan wereproposed in the Further ConsultationReport (January 2011).The purpose of this documentwas to inform a six week periodof consultation focused specifi callyon the proposed changes to theeducation and spine road locationsoutlined above. This was to enableviews to be exchanged and taken intoaccount in the compilation ofthe fi nal version of the AAP andassociated documents (including theSustainability Appraisal).Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201141

5. Changes to the AAP5.1 Overview of keyfeedback and ourresponsesRepresentations received in responseto the statutory Preferred Optionsconsultation and the informal furtherConsultation Report have beencarefully reviewed and have informedthe preparation of the publishedversion of the Area Action PlanThe purpose of this chapter is tosummarise the main feedback andhow the Council has responded.1. The AAP should provide a clearfocus on delivery.Additional work has been undertakento ensure that the proposals aredeliverable whilst retaining fl exibilityas follows:• Location of spine road;• Location of education facility;• Fine-tuning of approach toemployment uses;• Updates to phasing strategy; and• More detailed guidance andclear guidance for environmentalstudies and mitigation strategies.2. A Landscape and Visual CharacterAssessment should inform the AAPA Landscape and Visual Appraisal hasbeen prepared as part of the EvidenceBase for the AAP with a view toinforming the fi nal version of the AAP.3. The fl ood risk policy needs to beupdated to be in conformity withPPS25.Policy 27 has been updated to inrelation to management of fl ood risk,fl ood alleviation, watercourse bufferzones and SuDS. The college carpark has moved from the fl oodplainin response to feedback from heEnvironment Agency in relation tofl ood risk.4. Spine Road location needs to bereviewedThe location of the spine road hasbeen altered as identifi ed through theFurther Consultation Report. Thenew location supports the delivery ofthe education facility and proposalsat Northern United within the fi rstphase of development.5. Some policies are beyond the remitof the AAPPolicies relating to waste, miningand minerals have been re-castas informative statements asGloucestershire County Council hasstatutory responsibility for these areas.6. Ecology and biodiversity issuesneed to be articulated more clearly inrelation to landscape proposalsPolicy 10 and supporting text hasbeen updated comprehensively torefl ect issues associated with theLesser Horseshoe Bat colony, thevalue of existing riparian zones,wetland habitats, The policy alsoidentifi es requirements associated withmanagement, mitigation and licensing.The width of the riparian zone hasbeen widened following a minor watercourse review. The AAP also providesspecifi c reference to wetland habitatsand the need for allotments. Inaddition, the document highlights theneed for additional survey work of thebat colony in order to take proposalsforward.7. Policy on foul drainage and relatedpollution issues is missing and a SuDSpolicy is requiredA comprehensive approach toSuDS is now established in theAAP. Additional references tocontaminated land and groundwaterhave also been added.8. The renewable energy could bestrengthenedThe renewable energy policystandards have been updatedaccordingly.9. Careful consideration is required inrelation to the use of the NorthernUnited site and the impact onheritage valueThe overall approach to heritageand archaeological issues has beenreviewed. At Northern United,confi rmation by English Heritagethat the colliery buildings do notmerit listing has been refl ected in thewording of the policy.42 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

10. The location of the educationfacility has been reviewed followingfurther stakeholder engagementChanges of Government, the demiseof the Learning and Skills Council andother events beyond the controlof the AAP, including the continuingreview of local secondary education,led to uncertainty over the deliveryof the education facility. However,the announcement that RoyalForest of Dean College will mergewith Gloucestershire Collegehas necessitated a review ofaccommodation needs. One optionwill be to consider an entirely newsite to replace either or both ofthe existing ones which could beaccommodated by the AAP.Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201143

APPENDIX 1:Preferred Options (2009)Schedule of representations44 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

Appendix 1:Schedule of comments and responses for Cinderford AAP Preferred Options consultationThe following table summarises comments received on the Preferred Options document from:1. Government Office for the South West2. British Waterways3. Forest of Dean Friends of the Earth4. Forest Artists Network Design Group5. South West Regional Development Agency6. Gloucestershire County Council7. Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club8. Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment9. Coal Authority10. South West Councils11. Natural England12. Environment Agency13. Riki Threvial, peer review on behalf of Forest of Dean District Council14. Mrs Liz Scrivens15. Nigel Phillips16. Gloucestershire Constabulary17. Brian Phillips18. English Heritage19. Deputy Gaveller20. Littledean Parish Council21. National Grid22. Forestry Commission23. Drybrook Parish CouncilOrganisation ID Comment Response1. GovernmentOffice for theSouth West1.1 Thank you for inviting our views on the Cinderford Northern Quarter Area Action Plan: Preferred Options report. We welcome the progress this represents in progressingregeneration plans for Cinderford.1.2 The strategy has been prepared in accordance with the Local Development Scheme agreed by us on behalf of the Secretary of State. It has a clear regard for national policy andconforms generally to the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). Considerable weight can be attached to the contents of the Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes to the RSS giventhe late stage it has now reached in its preparation.1.3 The contents appear to provide a thorough assessment of the options and an explanation of the evolution of regeneration proposals toward a preferred option. Options havebeen tested through sustainability appraisal and we particular welcome the emphasis upon seeking high standards for sustainable construction.1.4 We previously agreed with you that the AAP could be prepared in advance of the Core Strategy. This was on the understanding given to us at the time that a strategic contextfor the plan was provided by the adopted Local Plan, that preparation then appeared well ahead of the core strategy and it was necessary for the AAP to be in place as soon aspossible. It is now clear from the Preferred Options document that some proposals can be seen to depart from Local Plan allocations and that the context provided by this planis therefore much less definite (for example, Local Plan housing proposals are now being revealed as affected by significant flood risks). In addition, timescales have shifted forboth the AAP and core strategy. (Incidentally there appears to be some confusion about this on page 26 of the document). As a consequence we now suggest that these twoplans are considered together so you may possibly use the same Inspector for both examinations; the core strategy should be examined first, since this will provide a more up todate strategic context, and may thus have a bearing on the content of the AAP. We can discuss this in more detail in the New Year as a part of reviewing your LocalDevelopment Scheme.1.5 Guidance on the content of an AAP is contained in Planning Policy 12 (PPS12) ‘Local Spatial Planning’. AAPs should identify the distribution of uses and their inter-relationship,including specific site allocations and set out as far as practicable the timetable for the implementation of proposals. Work on the Cinderford Northern Quarter AAP is clearlywell-advanced toward meeting these requirements and includes likely phasing. Going forward we have the following brief comments:NotedNotedNotedNotedNoted

Organisation ID Comment Response1.6 Objectives: We suggest these are framed in ways that are more specific and measurable so the performance of the plan can be clearly assessed. Specific details are articulated within policiesand the main body of the report1.7 Specific proposals: Some elements of the proposals are, for the moment at least, left a little vague. For example, it is not always precisely clear what ‘community facilities’ areintended or what quantums of development are involved. Likewise the substance of what lies behind ‘an eco visitor centre’ is not clear. We assume proposals will be developedin greater detail as further work takes place, but in particular, there is no suggested mix or level of affordable housing. The AAP should be precise about the uses envisaged sothat their realism can be established.1.8 Delivery: Employment development is a main focus of the proposals. Paragraph 4.57 of the Preferred Options document recognises overall viability as an issue. As Policy 4recognises, partnership working will be key to future success. Further work should elaborate in more detail how delivery will take place, in particular who will have responsibilityfor each of the various elements and at what points in the development process. This will help to determine overall viability and the proper co-ordination of regeneration.1.9 Development Principles and Development: A number of policies deal with aspects or topics. Whilst many clearly relate directly to the Northern Quarter, some also containquite generic principles or approaches that could or should apply as equally to development elsewhere and might better be dealt with by the core strategy. Some might alreadybe adequately covered by national or regional policy. The AAP should be careful to focus on specifying requirements for Northern Quarter regeneration and not duplicate moregeneral policies already expressed elsewhere.The document provides a clear steer onpreferred land uses for each character area,with more illustrative detail given in themasterplan. It is important, however, that theAAP policy wording is flexible so as not to beoverly prescriptive.Chapter 4 has been deleted – AAP placesemphasis on delivery throughout documentDocument reviewed and policies updatedwhere appropriate.2. BritishWaterways3. Forest ofDean Friends ofthe Earth2.1 British Waterways have no comments to make at this time Noted3.1 Paragraphs 1 – 32 (excluding para. 20) Noted3.2 (paragraph 20) All the concerns still exist in the Forest of Dean as they did when Frank Dobson visited the District in 1997, of large scale quarrying and large scale open castemining, large scale tourism developments, over development of housing and over development of recreational facilities, leading to the deterioration of the landscape by theaccumulative impacts of planning decisions made against a backdrop of inadequate landscape protection all in a landscape of recognised AONB quality. The present lack ofstatutory designation and the downgrading from designation to Supplementary Planning Document weighting places the Forest of Dean landscape, in terms of weighting, belowgreen belt and grade I farmland whereas the recognised quality is AONB. Clearly there is every planning reason to give the Forest of Dean a greater weighting.The AAP provides a statutory framework toensure that the scale of development within theCinderford Northern Quarter is appropriateto the Forest context. The documentrecognises and responds to the quality of theAAP area’s surrounding natural landscape.3.3 (Paragraph 33) The WM Enterpsise Consultants Report shows that about 80% of the businesses in the Forest of Dean are small businesses employing 20 people or less. Aproposal to attract a large employer possibly requiring the development of a large site would unbalance the equilibrium between economic, social and environmental issues tothe detriment of the District. There is no proven need for a major strategic site in the District or the proposed excessive increase in the housing allocation as contained in theAdopted Local Plan. Indeed the development of a large site could have a detrimental effect on the District degrading the very attributes that attract tourists and provide a goodquality of life for local residents.3.4 (Paragraph 34) The forest waste area between Cinderford and the afforested area of the Statutory forest should be studied from the viewpoint of an Action plan Area that issensitive. The site is heavily constrained by land instability, land contamination, high quality biodiversity and landscape values, water percolation, flooding being an effluvial plain aswell as a high vulnerability water area. It is an open recreational area and having been reclaimed by nature it is a green field site not brown field as per the definition in PPS3. It isa Key Wildlife Site, an English Nature Grasslands Inventory Site, is the habitat and is adjacent to the habitats of many protected species and biodiversity indicator species. It isalso the entrance to the Forest for tourists and an important recreational area for local residents.3.5 (Paragraph 35) In using the environment as an economic driver it provides a strategy that is coherent integrated and sustainable as it recognises the value of the landscape andbiodiversity whilst meeting the needs of the local people. The preferred options for the Cinderford LAA is not as coherent as it does not take full cognisance or recognition ofthe full value and quality of the Forest of Dean landscape and it’s biodiversity assets and provide an equivalent balance in terms of incorporating this asset positively whilstproviding protection in terms of policy to match the quality of those assets. The area and the District needs to be portrayed in a positive manner to bring out it’s myriadThe uses set out in the AAP respond to local,regional and national policy, as well as localneeds identified through consultation, propertymarket analysis and other research conductedas part of the baseline analysis of the AAP area.The AAP balances the need to capitalise onregeneration opportunities offered by theNorthern Quarter with the need to preservethe area’s significant biodiversity and landscapevalue. To do this it sets out policies to ensurethat development is appropriate to theNorthern Quarter’s setting, and identifiesmeasures to mitigate negative environmentalimpacts from new development.As above.

Organisation ID Comment Responsehistoric features, water features, biodiversity, geology, high landscape quality and attractive towns and villages.3.6 (Paragraph 36) The Preferred options for the Cinderford LAA does not take on board that the Forest of Dean is a rural area which is an asset in itself as pointed up in the RSS.As a rural area the priority should be to meet the needs of the local people on a scale and form suited to those needs and suitably located in the built environment.3.7 (Paragraphs 37-41) The FODFOE wish to put forward an alternative approach called “VALUING NATURE” based on the principle of placing at the centre of regeneration theprotection of a sensitive area whilst using that area for regeneration.As above.Noted.In the Forest of Dean District Local Development Scheme (available on the FODDC Website) Page 7 Point 24“Action Area Plans has identified Cinderford because of “the need for a planning context for the implementation of actions arising from the Coalfields programme in Cinderford. It istherefore proposed that an Action Area Plan be prepared for the following area: Cinderford”PPS12 Page 20. 3.6 Action Area Plans“Areas that are particularly sensitive to change or development, such as areas of significant natural or cultural heritage value. Plans for such areas would establish the conservationand enhancement objectives and how these might be reconciled with sensitive development”3.8 (Paragraph 42-45) DRAFT OUTLINE PROPOSALThat the Action Area be studied from the viewpoint of “Life-Support” covering the 5 main areas as set out in the Government Publication and the project be a beacon exampleas to how to approach action areas sensitive to change (and AONB areas?) in this period of climate change.The Action Area to include Lightmoor to Northern United to Heywood Plantation and small sections of forest waste and degraded areas that extend into Cinderford Town.An outline feasibility study be produced as a mixed media presentation by an appointed consultant working with an appointed project manager incorporating the followingsuggestions.The AAP proposes a vision for the NorthernQuarter which seeks to capitalise on thequality of the surrounding landscape throughhigh standards of design and sustainability.For the rationale behind the AAP boundary,see section 3.This AAP fulfills the purpose of the proposalsoutlined in this study3.9 (Paragraph 46 - 47) Nature for Nature’s SakeIn developing an outline feasibility study this section should be the first stepping stone in any recommendation for the development of a full feasibility project study. A mappingexercise (desk based and updated by field surveys) of the buffer zones between Cinderford and the afforested areas surrounding Cinderford to be assessed from the viewpoint ofbiodiversity, rare and general species, their supporting habitats, other habitat areas of value and drawing out the importance of forest fringe habitats and the unique habitatscreated by nature taking over the long abandoned industrial remnants around Cinderford. Include in mapping degraded and semi-developed areas that would be of value torestore moving into built up areas. In parallel a landscape and geophysical mapping exercise to include historical features, viewpoints, soil types, water features, water quality,effluvial areas (material may be already readily available from the FOD Local Plan Inquiry including the Northern Arc Environmental Impact Assessment and information gatheredby the Environment Agency). Having mapped the area and the strategic ecological/landscape areas, draw together proposals for enhancement putting Nature first.3.10 (Paragraph 48 - 52) A Store of Natural KnowledgeThe proposals of an Environment Centre put forward by FODFOE are based on the principles of outdoor education in the surrounding natural environment and anticipate thatit would be at university level but also accessible to college, schools and the general public.Northern United could lend itself to restoration in terms of a Resource/Environment Centre for schools/college/university students and visitors based on entomology and/oreffluvial habitats and amphibian species and bats, the extended areas along the buffer zones providing a resource for education. Nationally, the Forest of Dean has a possiblyunique concentration of different roost sites and bat species in a relatively small area. An Environment Centre would give prestige and employment to the Forest of Dean, interms of direct and indirect spend. As the bat sites are designated as being of European importance perhaps a European link and thereby European prestige could be fostered.An observation and monitoring system could be set up to study the bat roost in the Northern United building which could gradually be developed to include other bat roosts,flight paths and feeding areas in other parts of the Forest. With the use of mobile phones linked to a central system any person or groups could participate in mapping species sothat gradually a picture is built up through studies of the biodiversity content of the Forest and the surrounding area so that a programme is developed of enhancing habitat toincrease biodiversity species. Pictures from the monitoring could be electronically flashed on screens in/outside tourist centres located in the Forest of Dean and Gloucestershireencouraging visitors to learn about the biodiversity of the Forest.Strong educational and tourism links should be made to the special geology, hydrology and history of this unique area of the Forest of Dean and the way nature has re-inhabitedover time the remains of mans exploitation, from quarries, coal tips, mines and deserted buildings, to provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of species including many rare andprotected species.This AAP fulfills the purpose of the proposalsoutlined in this studyThe AAP retains flexibility about the type ofeducational use be delivered at this site.The AAP proposes an eco-visitor centre,though the Northern United site is consideredmore appropriate for light industrial uses, withthe eco centre located more centrally forgreater access.The AAP sets a context for biodiversityinitiatives. However, it is beyond the scope ofthe document to provide more detailed

Organisation ID Comment Response3.11 (Paragraph 53 – 60) A Natural Source of Wealth and JobsCinderford is surrounded by beauty and breathtaking vistas. To enhance Cinderford it needs to be linked from the inside out so it becomes part of its surroundings, linking thecentre of Cinderford with the surrounding beauty which in turn will enhance the tourism potential of Cinderford. Green fingers of restored areas need to stretch out,preferably following stream edges or remains of or restored areas of oak, degraded lines of ancient hedging or remnant areas of ancient grassland and old banks so that residentsand tourists are able to walk out from the centre of Cinderford to the Linear Park and adjacent buffer zones and on into the afforested areasEnhance tourism by a dedicated tourist centre in Cinderford showing the biodiversity, geology and historical interests in the surrounding areas. Displays on the variety of speciesin the area eg glow-worms, frogs, toads, dragonflies, butterflies, Great Crested Newt, Lesser Horseshoe Bat etc and their needs for certain types of habitats.Route maps for walking round the area with information on what to look out for, starting from the Cinderford tourist centre, walking out along stream edges and the restoredgreen areas, stretching from the centre of Cinderford to the Linear Park and adjacent buffer zones and on into the afforested areas. Information may be put on line and linked tothe Council’s Tourist website. Local people who have become involved in survey work etc, having developed a knowledge in the ecology or the history of the area, may wish toact as guides to tourists or parties of visitors thereby providing employmentWork with the leaseholders and owners on the industrial estates to link into the greening scheme to link from Cinderford centre through the Industrial Estate to the afforestedareas which will at the same time enhance the estate and help to attract up market business.(It would be helpful to change the name(s) from industrial estate to business park and to upgrade the current designated uses from heavy industrial uses, lorry parks andwarehouse storage to office uses. A commitment to providing a bright future of well paid jobs needs to be reflected in the land uses. The employment ratio to land use for thelorry parks and warehouse storage is poor)Look at the possibility of providing small starter units the size of a double garage, preferably located within the Cinderford townscape for transport access, underground forinsulation and landscape blend, with one window vista view and light funnels for light and energy saving, alternative technology for energy needs such as photo voltaic cells andsolar, dealing with sewage by reed bed and all cables underground so that they have low impact on the environment and could be a beacon for sustainable development whilstproviding low running expense units.Teach coppicing skills and develop the production of products from coppicing such as green furniture, basket making, hurdle garden fencing etc3.11 (Paragraph 61 – 64) Prescription for Good HealthInterlinking schemes to encourage people with depression etc to become involved with other members of the community in survey work, maintenance work for ecology, greenfurniture, links with the long term unemployed placement schemes or youth schemes.Improve the quality of life for local residents by encouraging a closer contact with nature, increasing the peace and tranquillity of the mind and spirit that this brings. Developing asense of wellbeing, confidence and sense of security through a sense of ownership by involving and enabling the local community to be involved in and to help take forward thisscheme. To foster a pride in the beauty of the surrounding forest landscape, mining and forest heritage of the area.Links with schools and the Wilderness Centre to establish an early interest and understanding in and to foster a responsibility towards nature. Links with further educationcolleges and universities for involvement in original and continuing (monitoring) survey work on general ecology and biodiversity and the geology and hydrology of the area.guidance and specific project outlines. Asabove.Noted. The AAP supports improved pedestrianroutes throughout the Northern Quarter, withillustrative block structures shown in themasterplan.The AAP provides for a range of employmentuses, and supports high quality sustainabledesign and construction.The document sets a context for theseinitiatives to be taken forward but it is beyondthe scope of the AAP to provide moreprescriptive guidance on these specificinitiatives3.12 (Paragraph 65-67) Common Ground for CommunitiesAs aboveNature is the catalyst for Community Action and by instigating this scheme it could bring together the community of Cinderford and the Forest and local community groups in apositive way by putting at the centre of the scheme what people cherish, the Forest, streams, open spaces and wildlife that surrounds them and inhabits their landscape.It could also bring together agencies in funding a series of interlocking projects and programmes, such as Natural England, Environment Agency, English Partnerships, ForestryCommission, Coalfields Community Campaign, South West Regional Development Agency, perhaps the Big Lottery Fund and/or European funding, to provide a sustainablefuture for Cinderford and the beauty of the natural habitats that surrounds it.3.13 Paragraph 68 – 69) Climate ChangeIn this period of climate change when species are struggling against adverse conditions for survival it is important to conserve and enhance habitats rich in ecology andbiodiversity. This area is an important habitat as a Key Wildlife Site and an English Nature Unimproved Grassland Inventory Site. This scheme would be a positive action for theThe AAP requires that possible developmentimpacts on surrounding wildlife habitats beidentified and mitigated, and that development

Organisation ID Comment Responseconservation of habitats valuable to the maintenance of species, some of which are of European importance because of their rarity. Existing habitats should be maintained andextended to ensure that there are corridors for the migration of species to enable their survival during climate change.is designed to complement and enhance thelocal environment.3.14 (Paragraph 70 – 72) UPDATEOn hearing the news that funding has not been allocated for projects for the Centre of Cinderford ie Cinderford Town, Forest of Dean Friends of the Earth (FODFOE) believethat a rethink needs to be undertaken with regard to the allocation of the Coalfields regeneration money.It has been announced that there will be no extra money to regenerate the centre of Cinderford. This is where the money needs to be spent. Everyone supports the need torevitalise Cinderford town centre and the Miners Welfare Hall. The Coalfields money may be the only money coming to the area so there needs to be a rethink where theCoalfields money is spent and make Cinderford town centre the first priority.3.15 (Paragraph 73 – 74) In the last Local Plan Inspectors Report on pre-inquiry change 17, proposals for the economic regeneration of this area were put forward, similar to theproposals put forward as those contained in the Cinderford LAA northern Quarter. The Inspector said of the proposals that there is a“tension in the Cinderford Northern Arc proposals between the economic regeneration benefits of the proposed developments and the risk that they may unacceptably damage the town’snotable strengths in its landscape setting and the recreational amenity value of the Linear Park. (51.253)”3.16 (Paragraphs 75 – 83) excerpts from the inspectors report Noted3.17 (Paragraph 84) Bearing in mind that the Inspector’s recommendations were adopted by the Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC) without modification the Inspector’sreasoning for his recommendations remain valid and the FODDC Local Plan should be adhered to with regard to development in the Cinderford LAA. FODFOE believe that theconsultation document is inadequate because it does not make any clear reference to the fact that the proposals put forward in the document do not follow the FODDC LocalPlan. As a consultation document this should be made clear to the public as should the Inspector’s statements in his Report with regard to the Steam Mill’s lake.3.18 (Paragraph 85) FODFOE believe that the consultation document and Baseline Report Final is inadequate because it does not make clear by delineation on maps in theconsultation document and Final Baseline Report on the Northern Quarter site high quality biodiversity value of the site and surrounding area including, that the Linear Park is aKey Wildlife Site and that the rough grassland on which it is proposed to site development is an English Nature (EN) Grasslands Inventory Site.The Cinderford Northern Quarter AAPprocess is independent of regenerationinitiatives covering the town centreThe Proposals contained in the AAP arefundamentally different to those outlined in theLocal Plan, and are designed to respond muchmore appropriately to their Forestsurroundings.The AAP seeks to address issues raised in theInspector’s report by providing revised andmore detailed policy and design guidance.The relationship between the AAP policies andthe local plan is set out in section 3.The AAP makes reference to the Linear Parkkey wildlife site (Figure 19) and otherdesignated habitats and provides appropriatepolicies to steer development in an appropriatemanner3.19 (Paragraphs 86 – 89) The Inspector concluded“51.263 I consider that the PIC17 proposals would be likely to result in a much more severe environmental impact and loss of habitat than the Revised Deposit proposals for this site, and thatthere would be much less scope for on-site compensatory provision to maintain bio-diversity.”NotedOn biodiversity the Inspector’s Report said“51.260 English Nature expresses its disappointment that the land is to be allocated for development, despite the recognised value of the site as part of one of the most important open spacewildlife sites in the Central Forest area”.3.20 (Paragraph 90) Yet the options put forward in the Consultation document are of such urban intensity that “one of the most important open space wildlife sites in the Central Forestarea” would be so fragmented that its value as a coherent site would be lost. At the time of the Inquiry EN provided a comprehensive list of species relating to this site yet it hasnot been made available to the public consultation process. FODFOE request that it should be made available to the public accompanied by the letter from EN at the time of theInquiry3.21 (Paragraph 91) FODFOE have requested the survey information in full that is referred to in the Baseline Report a in 4.9.1“ Plans considered 4.9.2 Implications for the AAP The DraftAAP must include a detailed study into the impacts of regeneration works on biodiversity in the area. This should be informed by the Habitats Screening Report, the key findings ofwhich have been subsumed within this Report.” and are not in receipt of that Report which is also NOT available on the website. This Report should be available in full forpublic inspection. For instance FODFOE understand that for the survey Dormouse boxes were put in an area of spruce and not on the proposed site. FODFOE understand thatspruce is not the natural habitat of this species. There are similar concerns with regard the Greater Crested Newt survey work. FODFOE request that the full survey work bemade available for public inspection and if found flawed new surveys undertaken.3.22 (Paragraph 92) The Baseline Report shows that all 3 options will have an adverse effect on the biodiversity of the area whereas the proposals FODFOE are putting forward is touse the gathering of information to enhance the area for species and to illustrate for other areas of Britain as to how a programme can be set up that could help species to resistNoted – please see consultation responsesfrom English Nature on AAP (Public Inquiryrelated to Local Plan)The HSRA document was made available forthe consultation period and has been updatedto accompany the AAPThe AAP balances ecological with economicand social objectives for the Northern Quarter

Organisation ID Comment Responsethe effects of climate change whilst improving the social and economic regeneration of the area.3.23 (Paragraph 93 – 94) FloodingThis area is on the floodplain map and its hydrology links to biodiversity species. It also links to the issue of increased flooding to existing and proposed housing development.The Baseline Report Final is inadequate as it does not deal in depth with the issue of flooding and the complex hydrology of the site area or provide a detailed map of the localflood plan area from the EA website, which clearly shows the sites within the floodplain. In principle Government policy is not supportive of development on flood plains andthe hydrology of this site is particularly complex. For instance EN pointed up their concerns of the detrimental effects on Laymore Quag of the increasing development takingplace on Cinderford’s industrial estates because of the interlinking hydrological nature of the whole of the valley yet no research appears to have been undertaken to address thisissue. More water appears to exist in the numerous mine workings of the area than on the surface. FODFOE would suggest that preparation of the site is not just a matter ofcapping old mineshafts but is a complex high risk problem in terms of unknown effects from attempting to cap old mineshafts particularly in terms of sumpsFlood risk within the Northern Quarter hasbeen identified as part of the baseline reportand Sustainable Development Framework.Development has been located so as to avoidflood risk, in consultation with the EnvironmentAgency.The AAP requires that development proposalsbe supported by ground investigations toestablish the need for ground improvementtechniques to deal with the ground conditions.Please see policy 29 and supporting text forfurther details3.24 (Paragraph 95) In the opinion of FODFOE this site is not suitable for housing development because of potential flooding to proposed and existing houses. Neither does itprovide Value for Money in terms of the sizeable investment needed for research and stabilisation, if research shows that it is possible.3.25 (Paragraph 96) It has been announced in the local paper that the Rugby Club has abandoned the move to the St. White’s rd site and this site would be better used for housing aslong as it avoid cresting th escarpment line. Social and affordable housing to meet the needs of the local people of the Forest of Dean based on robust evidence of need throughParish Housing Assessments should be the method for assessing housing need for the area.3.26 (Paragraph 97 – 98) New RoadThe team is working closely with EA in relationto flooding. The Northern Quarter site hasbeen identified as a District / Regional prioritywith funding made available from a nationalregeneration programme.This site falls outside of the AAP area.See policy 15 and supporting text for overviewThis project should be reviewed in the light of FODFOE proposals as it will cut into an important visual and biodiverse area. Investigations should be undertaken for options toimprove the Steam mills/Drybrook junction if necessary with the use of the edge of the conifer plantation adjacent to the junction.3.27 (Paragraphs 99 – 102) Further excerpts from the inspectors report N/A3.28 (Paragraph 103) FODFOE is putting forward proposals that it feels meets the challenge set out by the Inspector. FODFOE would also point up that, of Cinderford, the Inspectorsaid there is “a need for environmental improvements to parts of the urban fabric to improve the town’s image and quality of life.” Without those improvements Cinderford willnot appeal as a place to live and work and we will be left with a statellite residential development at Steam Mills.3.29 (Paragraph 104) In using the environment as an economic driver it provides a strategy that is coherent integrated and sustainable as it recognises the value of the landscape whilstmeeting the needs of the local people. The Cinderford LAA Options is not as coherent as it does not take full cognisance or recognition of the full value and quality of theForest of Dean landscape and it’s biodiversity assets and provide an equivalent balance in terms of incorporating this asset positively whilst providing protection in terms of policyto match the quality of those assets. The Cinderford LAA Prefered Options and the District needs to be portrayed in a positive manner to bring out it’s myriad historic features,water features, biodiversity, geology, high landscape quality and attractive towns and villages.The AAP considers the issues set out by theinspector, including environmentalimprovements, high quality and sustainableurban design, and measures to address adverseimpacts on the local environment fromdevelopment.The AAP Preferred Option seeks to balanceand satisfy local social, economic andenvironmental needs, to ensure a sustainablefuture for Cinderford.3.30 (Paragraph 105) The Cinderford LAA Prefered Options does not take on board that the Forest of Dean is a rural area which is an asset in itself as pointed up in the RSS. As arural area the priority should be to meet the needs of the local people on a scale and form suited to those needs and suitably located in the built environment.The AAP aims to meet the needs of localpeople by providing new employmentopportunities, new community facilities, homesand improvements to the local environment.

Organisation ID Comment Response3.31 (Paragraph 106) FODFOE request that the Option it is putting forward should go forward for public consultation as a forth option and further work be undertaken to include inthe Baseline Report all the information requested by FODFOE.Comments submitted by FODFOE have beenconsidered and used to inform the AAP.4. ForestArtistsNetworkDesign Group3.32 (Paragraph 107) FODFOE wish to register that it did request more time for a reply to this consultation as I have spent most of October in London on business and then in NotedEgypt. FODFOE wish to register that it would wish to make further representations on the inadequacy of consultation and the consultation documents.3.33 (Paragraph 108) Evidence base for the above and to be added to the Evidence base for the Cinderford LAA and the Core Strategy examination library please add:-• Vol 1 and Vol 2 Forest of Dean Review of Special Status by Land Use Consultants• Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Statement on the Northern Arc Project produced for the South West Regional Development Agency and included inthe last Forest of Dean Local Plan Inquiry• Forest of Dean Employment Study November 2003 by WM Enterprise Consultants• The Forest of Dean District A 2004 Rational Approach to Planning Its Future July 2004• by Professor Moseley and Colin Evers• November Update 2005 By Professor Moseley and Colin Evers• The Economic Gains of a Forest of Dean Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty• by Professor Moseley• Presentation by Friends of the Forest to the FODDC AONB Task GroupThese do not form part of the Core Strategy /AAP evidence base4.1 We thank the Regeneration Board / Homes and Communities Agency for giving our group a hearing on 17 th September last. We trust that board members were convinced by Notedour presentation demonstrating the talents, knowledge and commitment within the Forest Artist Design Group, and the beneficial impact that we will bring to the RegenerationPlan.4.2 Since that meeting we have studied the Option 2 Master Plan documents (e-mailed by Wendy).NotedWe welcome the plan and its aspirations for improving the quality of life for Cinderford residents and for the wider area.4.3 a) The Principle of Artist InvolvementNoted.Over the last twenty or so years, there has been a great deal of artist involvement in urban development projects worldwide. The benefits are well established and welldocumented. Artists have provided both embedded / integrated design ideas for buildings and structures and made ‘stand alone’ artworks for public spaces. Sculptural/colourelements in functional components such as seating, lighting, signage and boundaries are possible. In order that Cinderford can also benefit in this way we strongly urge thatCRB establishes a framework for the involvement of artists as soon as possible so that new innovative ideas can be fed into the design process at an early stage.• Selected public art projects, if carefully managed, can be used as valuable vehicles for local community and education involvement.• There is ample precedent in the UK and beyond for the establishment of a ‘percent for art’ principle for any new developments, associated with both siteinfrastructure, as well as buildings. This would formalise inclusion of public art as a local planning requirement, thereby securing a more permanent mechanismfor its funding.We appreciate that, at the present stage, the Master Plan lacks some detail until the plans of individual developers take shape. It is crucial in our view that the inevitable selfinterestof developers, and the needs of financial expediency should not dilute the fundamental aspirations embodied in the plan.4.4 Detailed commentsb) Sustainability• Sustainability is rightly emphasised throughout the Northern Quarter plan. We note that in excess of 50% of the budget is to be spent on new roads which will reduce thewoodland buffer between the development and the A4136 to traffic surrounded islands. How will building new roads deliver the correct message about sustainability?• A dense piece of development is proposed for a fragile regenerating waterside area which is at present making a reasonable recovery from a landscaping process of 15 yearsago. The density of development seems incompatible with the re-growth of the forest and waterside fringe and also with retaining a degree of rural calm.• It is proposed that a biomass burner is sited immediately to the west of the site – the prevailing wind is westerly and will therefore spread pollution over the whole area. Isthis the correct site for this sort of facility?• If the Northern Quarter is to be truly inspirational all newbuild should be carbon neutral and design standards must be strictly monitored by a design review body.The AAP aims to promote sustainability in allits forms, including economic and social, as wellas environmental sustainability. The density andscale of development has been designed to beappropriate to the forest setting.Redevelopment of this brownfield site willallow new residents and visitors to enjoy therural setting.Energy strategy and environmental policieshave been updated since preferred optionsreportThe AAP requires that new build design

Organisation ID Comment Responsestandards keep pace with the government’szero carbon homes and buildings programme.4.5 c) Education• We welcome the aspirations for improved educational facilities for all ages in our area. We note that the university / college level facility seems to have changed to a newsite for the Royal Forest of Dean College. With the proposed site too small to accommodate the RFDC in its entirety, where would the space for adult education coursesbe?• It is important that steps are taken to ensure that Cinderford area residents will be able to fully interact with the new development in a variety of ways. For example, thelake could be further enhanced so that it is not ‘crushed’ by the new development. The sustainable energy centre should be fully available for the public to visit (in additionto visiting educational groups). The idea of ‘welcome’ needs to be designed into all aspects of the new development.• The concept of a sustainable energy education site as a model of exemplary practice at the Northern Quarter is excellent. Clearly then, the Northern Quarter needs to be a‘cutting edge’ model of exemplary practice.Noted. The AAP cannot propose types/levelsof education, but provides space foreducational uses. The space set out in the AAPmeets the College’s requirements, as identifiedin stakeholder meetings.Useful suggestions noted. The AAP aims toensure that development is set back from theedge of the lake for public benefit. Designdetails would be drawn up at a latermasterplanning stage.Noted.4.6 d) Spatial / layout / landscaping• If more light industrial space is to be created then the quality of its architecture needs to match the general aspirations for the Northern Quarter site (as a Beacondevelopment). Standard industrial sheds will not meet these aspirations.• Even though the general secondary roads and residential area layouts, as shown in the Master Plan, may be somewhat diagrammatic at this stage, we feel that the currentlyindicated, strongly grid-like layouts would fail to provide sympathetic movement and living environments. More imaginative solutions can be achieved which will furtherenhance the quality of life for residents. Green routes through the housing are needed.• New tree planting, needs to be coherent with the existing rural Forest landscape. Again, more imaginative solutions are required, urban- style ‘avenue’ tree plantingassociated with the new roads, is not compatible with the character of the surrounding forest landscape.Noted. The AAP supports high quality designto match the quality of the naturalenvironment. This will need to be supportthrough site briefs.The pedestrian networks provide direct andlegible links between key uses and destinations.However, these designs are illustrative, and thefinal designs would be based on more detailedmasterplanning work at a later stage.The AAP supports greening of routes, and a‘village character’, rather than an urban-styleapproach. The supporting Masterplan andDesign Codes document provides furtherguidance on this issue.4.7 Other questions emerging from our discussions:• If the Coalfield £14.75m had been made available for the whole of Cinderford, would it have been spent this way on the Northern Quarter? If the answer to thatquestion is ‘no’, then the Old Coalfield criteria need to be challenged.• Has consideration been given to the possibility of placing the new road roughly parallel but just west of the present Nailbridge road, with new landscaping / bunding toprotect the school from traffic? This would avoid dividing the present woodland in half.It is beyond the scope of the AAP to challengethe Coalfield criteria.A number of road alignment options wereinvestigated prior to the AAP process as partof the Cinderford Business Plan (see section4.18 – of the AAP Preferred Optionsdocument. The option which was takenforward has been further refined through themasterplanning process to respond better tolocal topography and traffic patterns.4.8 The Forest Artist Network Design Group has a powerful and innovative contribution to make, we look forward to taking these ideas further. Noted.5. South WestRegional5.1 Thank you for consulting the South West of England Regional Development Agency (South West RDA). The Agency broadly welcomes the progressing of the CinderfordNorthern Quarter Area Action Plan (AAP) which will be an important document in helping to achieve sustainable spatial and economic change, regeneration and growth for thetown and surrounding district. At the same, it will be important to delivering the Regional Economic Strategy for South West England (RES).Noted.

Organisation ID Comment ResponseDevelopmentAgency6.Gloucestershire5.2 ‘Spatial Implications – Place Matters’ (the RES Spatial Annex) identifies Cinderford as holding the potential to deliver significant growth over the coming 20 years. It highlights,however, traffic congestion issues associated with the Forest of Dean towns and recognises the concerted public and private sector efforts that will be required to help realisethe town’s potential.5.3 You will be aware that the South West RDA has land holdings within the AAP Boundary. The Agency has considered the AAP consultation document in terms of its ability todeliver the RES, its Delivery Framework and its Spatial Annex. We broadly welcome the content of the document and make the following comments.5.4 Growth that Builds on Environmental StrengthsThe RES Delivery Framework promotes sustainable development that draws from a high quality environment to encourage new economic opportunities and investments. Itencourages a close integration of environmental, economic and social regeneration activities. The Draft Cinderford Northern Quarter AAP articulates, within its visionstatement, ambitions to deliver a destination that complements its landscape setting. The South West RDA welcomes these aims, which are evident throughout the document.The Northern Quarter’s environmental context will be very important to delivering exemplary mixed-use development for the area that centres on education and tourismfacilities.5.5 Sites and Premises for Sustainable GrowthThe RES Delivery Framework promotes the delivery of sustainable sites and premises for business growth. We welcome proposals for the provision of new light industry andoffice employment spaces within the Northern Quarter where they will help to support enterprise and Cinderford’s growth. It will be important for employment land allocationsto be adaptable to future market requirements.5.6 At the same time, synergies associated with linking the activities of new business premises with those of Cinderford’s existing employment land should be fully explored. The‘sequential’ values that the consultation draft incorporates in planning only for ancillary retail activity within the Northern Quarter are welcomed. We would support atransposition of that approach across the uses of the AAP area in facilitating a new quarter for Cinderford that complements the town’s existing components (includingemployment spaces) and works to add value to, and diversify, the economic base of Cinderford and its surrounding area.5.7 Whilst valuing the general phasing proposals of the draft AAP, we also welcome the flexibility that the document affords to the redevelopment of the former Northern Unitedcolliery at the North West of the area. With a direct interest in that site, the South West RDA is conscious of considerable conservation and remediation issues that will needto be addressed before development can take place; and that these should not constrain development elsewhere in the Northern Quarter.5.8 We support the iterative and options-tested approach through which the draft Cinderford Northern Quarter AAP’s Preferred Option has emerged. Should any of the AAP’sanchoring uses become infeasible however, it will be important for the AAP and subsequent Masterplan to incorporate flexibilities and contingencies such that next-best solutionsare planned for.5.9 Skills for the EconomyThe RES seeks improved opportunities and increased participation in higher and further education. It identifies that high levels of basic and technical skills are essential forensuring continuing improvements to the Region’s competitiveness. The South West RDA understands that parts of Cinderford rank within the 10% most deprived areas in thecountry in terms of education, skills and training. We therefore welcome the preferred and proposed mix and phasing of development for Cinderford’s Northern Quarter. Theearly provision of education assets alongside comprehensive transport facilities will be important to creating a new regenerative anchor for Cinderford and its surrounds.We welcome the suggestion that proposed leisure, tourism, employment and renewable energy uses within the regeneration area pose potential opportunities for linkagesbetween the college and the wider economy. These opportunities might be augmented by bringing together employment and skills related activities, as is the aim of schemes likeWest at Work and Gloucester Works5.10 Infrastructure and the Low Carbon EconomyThe South West RDA supports the Northern Quarter link road proposal. The road will facilitate the AAP’s proposed mix of uses and improve links to the Forest Vale IndustrialPark whilst working to reducing heavy goods vehicle trips along, and improve the resilience of, the Steam Mills Road. We also welcome proposals for a comprehensive networkof pedestrian and cycle paths to link Cinderford’s existing urban area to the Northern Quarter, which should act to reduce the need for local vehicular trips. The RES identifiesthe region’s capacity to become a renewable energy leader. Its Delivery Framework promotes the delivery of sustainable energy supplies across the region. The RegionalRenewable Energy Strategy for the South West supports collective action in aggregating the demand of several users to facilitate viable district-serving renewable energysolutions. In achieving CSH Level or better and BREEAM Excellent development, we welcome proposals to introduce Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facilities for theNorthern Quarter.We note the need for a detailed energy study. This will be essential in determining a preferred CHP option and the phasing timescales that will need to be adhered to in order toheat and power building developments across the Northern Quarter from their outset. We would additionally welcome investigation into opportunities to link the proposedmacro-generation facility to existing heat and energy users. Energy supplies for existing heavy heat and electricity demand loads that may exist in areas like Forest Vale IndustrialPark might further enhance the benefits of Northern Quarter CHP facilities and act to reduce the net carbon impacts of development there.5.11 ConclusionsThe South West RDA broadly welcomes the draft Cinderford Northern Quarter AAP Preferred Options Consultation document and the general trajectory along whichplanning for the Northern Quarter’s regeneration is progressing.The consultation document presents clear opportunities to derive benefits, both on and off site, from synergies between related activities and uses including those associatedwith education, skills, employment transport and energy. It will be important that the AAP helps to maximise the value of those prospects. At the same time, the Action Plan andrelated site masterplan should incorporate sufficient flexibilities and contingencies to enable delivery; especially in consideration of the relatively long timescales that the AAPsuggests for some of the Northern Quarter’s development phases. I hope these comments are useful. Should you wish to discuss any of them further, please do not hesitate tocontact me or Jessica Potter, (interim) Planning Manager.6.1 Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) welcomes the opportunity to offer comment to the Cinderford Northern Quarter Area Action Plan Preferred Options Report (draftAAP). The County Council is supportive of the vision and aspirations set out by Forest of Dean District Council for the regeneration of the Northern Quarter of Cinderford asNoted.Noted.Noted.Noted.Noted.NotedNotedNoted.NotedNoted.Noted

Organisation ID Comment ResponseCounty Councilset out in the draft AAP. The County offers the following specific comments.6.2 EducationNoted and updatedGCC strongly supports the concept of education-led regeneration, helping to raise aspirations, develop skills and improve outcomes for local young people. Theme 3 andObjective 5 are therefore important to the overall vision, but could perhaps be worded so as not to preclude one of a wide range of possible education and training investmentsat the heart of the Northern Quarter6.3 EcologyNoted.The draft AAP identifies the main ecological constraints. Local authorities have a statutory duty to seek biodiversity conservation under section 40 of the Natural Environmentand Rural Communities Act. The regeneration principles of the preferred option include protection and mitigation of both habitats and species.GCC recommends that reference be made to biodiversity enhancement. Theme 4 in Section 5 on Landscape, Environment and Biodiversity is good because it talks about activemeasures to protect and enhance biodiversity (objective 7). Sections 4.46 to 4.49 of the draft AAP give a fair summary of how the District Council, has chosen Option 2 of themaster-plan as the preferred option. The County acknowledges that Policy 26 is included as an obligation arising from the Habitats Regulations, Wildlife and Countryside Act,and Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act.6.4 Minerals and WastePolicy 5 could be expanded to recommend the use of locally sourced minerals. This would be more sustainable and contribute to maximising local employment and businessbenefitsPolicies updated as suggested and re-cast asinformativesPolicy 29 Mining: GCC recommends a revision to the wording of the policy to emphasise that it is the role of the County Council as the Minerals and Waste planning authorityto determine applications for filling in of void spaces or free mining. Free mining is an important aspect of Gloucestershire’s industrial heritage unique to the Forest of Dean areaand the County Council considers that the policy should be worded so as not to prejudice future free mining applications.Policy 31 Minerals: GCC recommends the rewording of this policy. All mineral applications are determined by Gloucestershire County Council as the Mineral PlanningAuthority (MPA) having regard to the saved policies of the Minerals Local Plan (2003) until such time as it is replaced by the Minerals Core Strategy. Draft Policy 31 as currentlyworded incorrectly infers that it is Forest of Dean District Council which would determine any mineral extraction proposals within the masterplan area. The County Counciltherefore recommends that the policy be revised to state clearly that the Forest of Dean Council will work alongside GCC as Mineral Planning Authority to avoid inappropriatesterilisation of valuable minerals resources within the area, in particular fireclay and coal.Policy 32 Waste: GCC is supportive of all measures that will move waste further up the waste hierarchy. Again however, the County Council recommends that this policy bereworded to clarify that the role of the Forest of Dean District Council is as a consultee in determining waste applications rather than being the determining authority which is ofcourse Gloucestershire County Council. The County Council also recommends that the policy includes a requirement for any waste facility to look at the scope for CombinedHeat and Power (CHP).7. Royal Forestof Dean AnglingClub6.5 TransportGCC acknowledges its role in the delivery of the spine road and associated transport measures set out in the draft AAP and is mindful of the ongoing discussions with Forest ofDean Council and the HCA to ensure appropriate delivery. With this in mind, the County Council recommends that sufficient flexibility be retained in the draft AAP to ensurethat the delivery of a suitable package of transport measures and network improvements including the spine road and public transport is achievable.6.6 ProcessOverall, and mindful of the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the County Council recommends that Forest of Dean District Council ensure thatthe draft AAP provides clarity as to the mechanisms to deliver the education and other community based facilities set out in the preferred option to ensure that the AAP may beconsidered ‘sound’.7.1 Description of club’s stake in the area and activities.We have to register our concern with any proposals that potentially could damage the beauty of this superb environment, and also infringe on this natural leisure facility whichwe have dedicated some much effort into enhancing.Noted.Noted. The AAP has been developed with afocus on deliveryNoted

Organisation ID Comment ResponseWe would appreciate you registering our concern at the next board meeting and keeping us aware of any developments.8. CommissionforArchitectureand the BuiltEnvironment8.1 Unfortunately, due to limited resources, we are unable to comment on this document. However we would like to make some general comments which you should consider.Tell the storyA good LDF needs to tell the story of the place, explain how it works and highlight its qualities and distinguishing features. Telling the story helps everyone understand how thequalities of the place have shaped the strategy and its priorities for future quality.Set the agendaUse the LDF to say what is wanted for the area, express aspirations and be proactive and positive about the future of the place and say how this will be achieved. Set out what isexpected in terms of design quality and where necessary provide links to the relevant development plan documents or supplementary planning documents.Say it clearlyMake the core strategy relevant and understandable to a wide audience. Use diagrams to inform the text and communicate the strategy and show what quality of place means.[and other best practice guidance from CABE].Noted9. The CoalAuthority9.1 Surface Coal Resources and Prior ExtractionAlthough it is acknowledged that the Cinderford Northern Quarter Area Action Plan (AAP) does not cover minerals specifically, as this is addressed within the emergingMinerals Core Strategy for Gloucestershire, you will be aware that the area covered by the AAP contains coal resources which are capable of extraction by surface miningoperations. Information on the extent of the shallow coal resource area is available to Mineral Planning Authorities from the Coal Authority and was provided to GloucestershireCounty Council in September 2008.Reference to suitable coal extractiontechniques has been added as suggestedThe Coal Authority is keen to ensure that coal resources are not unduly sterilised by new development. In instances where this may be the case, the Coal Authority would beseeking prior extraction of the coal. Prior extraction of coal also has the benefit of removing any potential land instability problems in the process. Contact details for individualoperators that may be able to assist with coal extraction in advance of development can be obtained from the Confederation of Coal Producers’ website atwww.coalpro.co.uk/members.shtml.9.2 Representation No.1 - mineral safeguardingQuestion 36 – Do you have any comments on the factors that will be taken into account in the assessment of proposals to extract minerals on the site?Inconsistency with planning policyComment – The Coal Authority welcomes the recognition within paragraph 7.109 of the AAP that coal resources are present within the Northern Quarter area. The inclusionof a criterion relating to the prior extraction of minerals within Policy 31 is also supported.However, given the legacy of former coal mining within this area (see further comments below), it is considered that policy 31 could make reference to the fact that theextraction of any remnant shallow coal resources may provide a sustainable option for treating any land instability problems in advance of development taking place. Thispotential benefit is specifically recognised within paragraph 14 of MPG3, which states that policies should give priority to proposals which will bring about environmentalimprovements, for example by the stabilisation of unstable ground.The following minor amendments to the 5th criterion of Policy 31 are therefore suggested:• “Potential extraction prior to commencement where appropriate (particularly where thiswould assist in the treatment of land stability issues in advance of development)”Reason –To comply with the guidance in paragraph 14 of MPG3 (Coal Mining and Colliery Spoil Disposal).9.4 Representation No.2 - Coal mining legacyReference has been added as suggestedReference has been added as suggestedParagraph 3.20 – Not justified. Inconsistent with national planning policyComment – The Coal Authority is pleased to note the inclusion of coal mining legacy issues within the list of constraints that will need to be addressed as part of thedevelopment of the Cinderford Northern Quarter.In addition to the issues currently set out within paragraph 3.20, Coal Authority records indicate that shallow coal mining activities are likely to have taken place within the AAParea. For the reasons set out above, this should also be noted within the AAP text.The following additional text is therefore suggested for inclusion within the second bullet in paragraph 3.20: • “Constraints from the mining legacy, mainly mine shafts, shallow mineworkings, contamination and the opencast mining high wall”Reason – To ensure that the AAP is based on robust evidence and that this important issue is addressed through the AAP in accordance with the guidance in PPG14(Development on Unstable Land).9.5 Representation No.3 Figure 7 – Site ConstraintsInconsistent with national policy. Not justified.Acknowledged but baseline section removedfrom AAP

Organisation ID Comment ResponseComment – The Coal Authority is pleased to see that mineshaft locations are depicted in Figure 7. This is considered to be a helpful way of graphically highlighting thisimportant site constraint.However, Coal Authority records note the presence of additional mine entries within the AAP boundary and, given the extensive legacy of coal mining within this area, there isalso potential for further unrecorded mine entries to be present. In addition, as old mining plans are often imprecise, the recorded and actual position of mine entries can differ.As a consequence of the above, it is recommended that the legend for Figure 7 is amended to read as follows: • “Mineshaft location (indicative)”Reason – To reflect the inherent uncertainty regarding the precise location and overall number of mine entries within the AAP area, and to accord with the guidance inparagraph 27 of PPG14.9.6 Representation No.4 Section 3 – National Planning Policy GuidanceInconsistent with national planning policyAcknowledged but planning context section hasbeen shortened in final AAPComment – Given the extensive legacy of coal mining activities within the AAP boundary, and the potential for this to give rise to land stability issues (as recognised elsewherewithin the AAP), it would be helpful to make reference to PPG14 within the section on National Planning Policy Guidance.The following additional paragraph is suggested for inclusion:“The Cinderford Northern Quarter has previously experienced mining activities which have left an environmental legacy. This legacy has the potential to lead to public safety hazards unlessthere is awareness and any risks have been fully considered, with appropriate treatment/mitigation measures being incorporated within new developments. The AAP area may be affected byformer mine workings at shallow depth, and there are also recorded mine entries and a former surface coal mine site within the plan boundary. In line with the requirements of PPG14Development on Unstable Land (1990), the AAP therefore seeks to ensure that land is thoroughly investigated for mining legacy problems, with any issues then being appropriately treated toensure that future development is safe and stable.”Reason – To ensure that the guidance in PPG14 (Development on Unstable Land) is properly identified within the AAP.9.7 Representation No.5 Paragraph 7.25 & Policy 4 – Partnership WorkingNotedNot effectiveComment – The identification of the Coal Authority as a national body with an interest in the development of land within the AAP boundary is welcomed. The intention towork closely with relevant stakeholders and organisations in facilitating the regeneration of the Northern Quarter, as set out in Policy 4, is also supported.Reason – Identifying and working with relevant interested bodies, such as the Coal Authority, will help to ensure the successful delivery of the AAP proposals.9.8 Representation No.6Question 34 – Do you agree with the approach to managing proposals in terms of the site’s mining legacy and freemining?Updated as suggestedInconsistent with national planning policy. Not effective.10. South WestCouncilsComment – The Coal Authority supports the inclusion of a specific policy to address the mining legacy within the AAP area. This is considered essential in order to ensure thatcoal mining legacy issues are addressed within new development proposals in line with the requirements of PPG14.For clarity, however, and to reflect the fact that there may be alternative treatment options for addressing mining legacy issues (e.g. prior extraction) it is suggested that policy 29be amended as follows:“…In addition, the Council will encourage proposals to be supported by the mapping, assessment and appropriate treatment filling in of any remaining mine entries and/or voids. …”For the reasons set out earlier, it is also considered that the supporting text at paragraph 7.107 should make reference to the likelihood of shallow coal mining activities havingtaken place in the area. In addition, the text could helpfully note that intrusive site investigation and development works may require the prior written permission of the CoalAuthority. It is therefore suggested that paragraph 7.107 be amended as follows:“…Key issues include the extensive coverage of the site with loosely compacted fill material to depths of up to 30m and the existence of shallow mine workings, a number of shafts andassociated voids. Developers should note that intrusive site investigation and development works which intersect, disturb or enter any coal seams, coal mine workings or coal mine entries mayrequire the prior written permission of the Coal Authority.”Reason – To ensure that these important issues are addressed through the AAP in accordance with the guidance in PPG14 (Development on Unstable Land).9.9 CONCLUSIONThe Coal Authority welcomes the opportunity to make these comments. We are, of course, willing to discuss the comments made above in further detail if desired and wouldbe happy to negotiate alternative suitable wording to address any of our concerns. The Coal Authority also wishes to continue to be consulted both informally if required andformally on future stages.10.1 The RPB notes and welcomes the recognition to the strategic context provided by the current and emerging RSS. The RPB welcomes the thorough and extensive coverage givento the issues and the identification of the preferred option and, in broad terms, considers it to be appropriate and in general conformity with the emerging RSS. You will recallfrom our previous comments on the Core Strategy document (Henning Totz’s letter of 14 April 2008 refers) that we welcomed “ the adopted approach to development andespecially that funding issues are being addressed through a Business Plan drawn up for the delivery of Cinderford’s regeneration”NotedNoted

Organisation ID Comment Response10.2 Our only substantive comment at this stage is that we note that the document correctly refers to the context provided by the housing allocations in the Government’s ProposedChanges. However you will also be aware that the Regional Planning Body has made representations on the Proposed Changes. These can be seen in full atNoted.http://www.swcouncils.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=4406&tt=swra11. NaturalEngland10.3 In particular the RPB made representations that it opposes the housing numbers proposed in the Proposed Changes for the Cheltenham and Gloucester HMA , which includesthe Forest of Dean, and recommends that the housing numbers, their distribution and their phasing from the draft RSS are substituted.11.1 Section 5.8 – Ecology. Natural England understands that the local bat group have more up to date survey data on the populations and movements of bat species in and aroundthe Northern United site, and advise that the data should be available via the Gloucestershire Records Centre.11.2 It is worrying that figure 5.8.7 includes proposed survey areas for Otters and Bats – particularly given they follow the line of the proposed spine road, replacing the mainaccess route into Cinderford. Also a little concerning is the assessment of the site as being of district / county importance, as a result of the bird survey, when woodland birdsare rapidly declining in numbers, thanks to loss of habitat.11.3 There was a survey undertaken by Entec at some point, as mentioned throughout the text, yet the Bibliography does not mention it, suggesting that the only site surveyundertaken (discounting the Keystone Environmental survey of the Northern United Roosts) was a walkover by an ERM ecologist one day in December 2008. Full details of thedate, type and extent of survey undertaken by Entec must be included in the baseline report.11.4 Overall, considering the significant populations of protected and listed species identified in the Baseline Report across large swathes of the proposed site, including 6 bat species,all UK reptiles, Great Crested Newts, Woodland Birds etc). Natural England would advise a phase II survey of the entire Northern Quarter, before further refining the scheme.Natural England would also support all the recommendations listed in the ecology section.11.5 The section relating to landscape is more concerned with the topography and views. Landscape Character is something different, and given the District Authority‟s intention tohave its distinctive landscape recognized as an AONB, we would recommend that the baseline report includes the details of the National and Local Landscape Character Area.The landscape character has been evaluated at two levels with reference to the following published assessments:- Natural England – Countryside Character: „Forest of Dean and Lower Wye‟ Character Area (NCA No.105). The Gloucestershire Landscape Character Assessment, February 2002NotedSee policies and supporting text including policy10 and 26Further ecological information provided withinfull AAP and supporting documentsSee policy textVisual and Landscape Assessment undertakento inform updated AAPThese are then supplemented by a local character assessment. This assessment has the advantage of including the sensitivity of the landscape to negative impacts.11.6 Natural England notes again that the Gloucestershire Landscape Character Assessment is listed in the Bibliography, yet is not included nor mentioned anywhere in the baseline See Landscape and Visual Assessment reportreport, and subsequently the AAP and SA have been written without the inclusion of this fundamental landscape data. This requires amending.11.7 Sustainability AppraisalSee updated SANatural England would like to commend the Sustainability Appraisal and Area Action Plan for being extremely comprehensive. A negative impact of the inclusion of so muchinformation is, perhaps a lack of clarity in the overall presentation. The SA contains plenty of useful maps and diagrams, but overall the structure and form would benefit frombetter signposting. As an example, finding and identifying something as simple as the objectives11.8 Consultation - before Table 3.2, we think it would be helpful to have a comprehensive list of a consultee organisations, beyond only the statutory bodies. AAP identifies consultees11.9 Objectives – These are listed in 6.1 (though signposted as being in chapter 8), and assessed against all options, not just the preferred option (7.1 and 7.2 respectively).Unfortunately they do not link directly with the monitoring options / process, as is recommended SA practice. Natural England advises that there should be a “logical thread”through from the SA framework objectives to the monitoring process.11.10 Limitations – Natural England cannot find any reference to the limitations of the SA in the report. The baseline report lists the need for an otter and a bat survey on parts ofthe site, which must count for an information gap... Presumably there are other limitations in social and economic sustainability. Recommend a section identifying known datagaps, technical shortcomings etc, as per the requirement in the SEA Regulations.11.11 HRA Screening ReportMitigation measures that are supposed to be identified in the AAP cannot be found, and are only referred to as being a requirement of development proposals, as per Polity 10.The AAP therefore does not adequately address the likely risk of negative impacts identified through the HRA Screening process. NE is concerned that the AAP is being writtenin parallel with the HRA process, rather than being informed by it. Though the AAP is only at the preferred options stage, it is far enough through the planning process to raiseour concerns. Natural England therefore recommends that the proposed development will require an Appropriate Assessment to consider the possible negative impacts on theWye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat SAC and possibly the other 3 potential site impacts as identified in Table 5.2 of the HRA Screening Report.11.12 Area Action PlanSection 2 is well written, and FoDDC should be commended for its clarity. Section 3 similarly so, however, there is a minor typographic error in 3.8 describing Coleford as 8kmmiles from Cinderford.11.13 Policy 3 – Phasing of Landscaping and Green Infrastructure Works. Natural England is concerned that there is a “cart before horse” principle here. Green Infrastructure (such asSUDS) is, by default, a key element of the infrastructure of the site, and must be in place prior further works, just as road and sewer infrastructure would be. Also, the nature ofMonitoring process identified in section 8.5 ofSAComments to be incorporatedHRA screening process has influenceddevelopment of AAP. See policies andsupporting textReference has been updatedPolicy updated

Organisation ID Comment Responsemitigation for damage to habitats and species is such that it needs to be not just created, but established prior to the works for which the mitigation is required, so that thosepopulations effected have somewhere to go. While detailed plans are not required at preferred options stage they will be required prior to detailed development stage, as theywill inform the constraints of said process. This point needs inclusion in the text and the policy itself.11.14 Policy 3 – 7.25, We would recommend that Natural England and the Environment Agency be put on separate lines, as per the other bodies, to avoid confusion. 7.26 The localgroups section should include the Local Bat Group. Given the nature of the site their exclusion is of real concern.11.15 Policy 9 – Design standards for proximity to natural space (angst) and utilizable space (allotments) are missing. Also guidance listed (HCA) is largely functional rather thanaspiration re; wider social sustainability – recommend the inclusion of various space making guidance published by CABE.11.16 7.41 – replace “range” with “extent of existing”, as range could be interpreted as developing new habitat types on site. Given the loss of habitat which will almost certainly resultfrom the development, we recommend there be a specific inclusion of the phrase “where on-site mitigation cannot be achieved, off-site mitigation must be identified and includedin proposals”11.17 7.45 includes the possible provision of a “village green”, and NE would support it‟s general location, serving as a bridge / shared resource between the new housing and SteamMills, as well as on the route to the education provision.11.18 Policy 10 – Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy. This policy is a significant shortcoming of the AAP, in that it fails to deliver a mitigation strategy, as required by the HRA. Seeabove. Points 7.40 – 7.49 are well made, but the section contains nothing about landscape, and the final policy is made weaker as a result. See comments on the baseline report.11.19 Policy 10 / 12 – Northern United Site. By not specifically mentioning the Greater Horseshoe colony in policy 10, and encouraging the re-use and demolition of buildings in theroost site in Policy 12, the AAP fails to take adequate precautions against the risk of harm to a species listed on Schedules 5 and 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (asamended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and is listed on Annexes IIa and IVa of the Habitats Directive. While some works at the Northern United sitemight be permitted under licence, Heritage - though important - is unlikely to be of greater significance to a would be developer. At least one of these two policies need revisingso that the limitations of the Northern United site are more clearly signposted.11.20 Policy 19 – the policy only describes indicative land uses. Given the identified limitations of the Northern United site, and the preference made to Option 2 during theconsultation as a result, Natural England would like to see the land use at Northern United restricted as employment, not indicative.11.21 Policy 26 – Habitats and Landscape – only the HRA is considered in this policy. Landscape (and other habitats etc) are dealt with in Policy 10. Either the title of this policy, or thepolicy structure (possible merging of 10 and 28) needs to be amended.Amended as suggestedReference to additional standards has beenadded as appropriateUpdatedNotedLandscape and Visual Assessment has beenundertakenPolicy text and wording has been strengthenedThe AAP defines an employment-led approachto the site with potential for some live-workusesPolicy 26 has been updated accordingly12.EnvironmentAgency11.22 Green Infrastructure – Despite requesting that this section be expanded on in our response to SA Scoping (see letter), Green Infrastructure is only mentioned as a headline,without being expanded on, in Policy 3. Natural England considers the Area Action Plan to fall short of the recommended opportunities for utilizable green space – in particular,areas for informal play and allotments. Given the clear policy of building housing provision that accounts for its wider sustainability, it seems out of place that there is no policyfor, nor even mention of, space for the provision of allotments.12.1 Summary1. A policy on foul drainage and related pollution issues is missing.2. SuDS should be included within the key design issues (policy 9) and there should be a clearer commitment to SuDS provision within policy 28 (SuDS and drainage)3. The policy on Flooding (Policy 27) should be revised4. More details on Renewable Energy provision should be made within policy 33.12.2 Vision statementWe have no objections to the vision statement and we welcome that sustainability and high standards for design have been included in the overall vision. The implementation ofhigh design standards, particularly the Code for Sustainable Homes, into the policy for new development, could help to contribute to the reduction of CO 2 emissions andmitigate climate change which is of huge importance for development.12.3 AAP Themes and objectivesWe particularly support Theme 1: Sustainable Place making and Theme 4: Landscape, Environment and Biodiversity.12.4 Area Development Framework - environment and landscapeWe do not entirely agree with the broad approach to the environment and landscape in the Area Development Framework particularly with respect to section 6.3: The keyReference added to allotmentsSee detailed comments belowNotedNotedAdditional wording added

Organisation ID Comment Responseprinciples, because they make no explicit reference to biodiversity. Moreover although the lake and forest are recognised as key assets the lakes tributaries are not mentioned.12.5 Area Development Framework - sustainabilityAdditional wording addedAlthough the Code for Sustainable Homes is referred to there is no specific mention of sustainable drainage system (SuDS).12.6 Policy 8: Key design principles and Policy 9: Sustainability and design standardsWe welcome that Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 is required for design standards. However, we would prefer to change this for “level 4 or above” or “level 4 as a minimum”.Also there is no reference to SuDS as a key design principle and we would recommend that this is added at this section. We would support an imaginative and attractiveapproach to site drainage as a key design and sustainability principal is included.12.7 Policy 10: Landscape and biodiversityCSH reference updated and SuDS promotedmore explicitly in AAPPolicy 10 and supporting text updatedWe broadly support the policy itself however the supporting information to the public realm and landscape strategy does not include enough information with respect tobiodiversity.12.8 It should be noted that some of the principles in the policy do not appear to have transferred to the plan itself. It is possible that ecology may prove more of a constraint thanrepresented.12.9 We agree with concern expressed in section 4.47 of AAP Report that in all three options that there is an insufficient green corridor along the west of the Old Engine Brook.Option 2 in particular identifies the secondary road network in close proximity to this corridor with associated implications for lighting, night time noise and mortality in relationto the population of Lesser Horseshoe bats as well as other wildlifePolicies and plans updatedPolicies and plans updatedWe are also concerned that the corridors along the other watercourses are not wide enough to support the intended recreational pressure and wildlife interests. The straightedge of the proposed development line does not respect the landscape setting or comply with the stated Key regeneration principle: sensitive and integrated response tolandscape and habitats.12.10 If the current topography is to be maintained it appears as if the road access is along the break in slope rather than maintaining a plateau at the bank top.We also agree with 4.48 that the number of water crossings should be reduced if the proposals are to minimise green corridor severance. Outfall can also adversely affectwatercourses.Additional principles that should be included or referred to here, and elsewhere in the AAP, are the significance of hydrology and topography. As well as being central to floodrisk management hydrology is also a formative component of landscape, habitats and biodiversity.Policies and plans updated. Further guidance ondesign matters is available in the supportingMasterplan and Design Codes document.We would welcome the hydraulic reconfiguration of the old Engine brook as long as it resulted in a naturalised channel form with enhanced watercourse and riparian habitats.There is no mention of the Environment Agency. We would welcome inclusion here so as to provide more detailed input to the development, especially given the scale of theproposals. For instance we have a number of questions for the more detailed stage such as:Will there be significant landform change as a result of this proposal? There is a lack of cross sections and explanation of topographic constraints and opportunitiesIf the landscaping of the `green fingers` is to include reed beds, marginals and wet woodland scrub vegetation will this involve significant land forming? We do not necessarilyobject to this but feel the AAP should be more explicit about what is likely to be involved.12.11 The existence or potential for other fish species should also inform the AAP and mitigation plans. The downstream watercourse support brown trout and other species. Eels arelikely to be found in the upstream tributaries. The European eel was designated as a UK priority BAP species in 2007. The European Commission has initiated an Eel Recovery totry to return the European eel stock to more sustainable levels of adult abundance and glass eel recruitment.12.12 To ensure issues regarding fish spawning and barriers to fish movement are given adequate representation the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and the new Marineand Coastal Access Act 2009 should be taken into account.Policies and plans updatedPolicies and plans updated12.13 The Environment and Landscape section should also include water quality and incorporate the comments made above. Policies and plans updated12.14 Policy 26: Habitats Policies and supporting text updated

Organisation ID Comment ResponseWe do not entirely agree with the proposed approach to habitats taken in Policy 26 of the AAP because it currently deals exclusively with Natura 2000 sites. Whilst it might beappropriate to include a specific policy relating to international obligations in relation to these sites it should be retitled to make it explicit that that is all that is covered.Otherwise there is a risk that habitats, be it of national, county, district or local importance; or notable species, will not explicitly be covered by any policy.We acknowledge other aspects of biodiversity receive coverage elsewhere and welcome the conjunction of biodiversity with landscape in Policy 10: Landscape and biodiversity,because so many of the mitigation and design solutions to help deliver enhancement are associated with landscape design. However more thought needs to be given as to how toensure adequate policy safeguard for notable species.Please note that we also provide detailed comments on Habitats Screening Assessment later in this letter (see section Biodiversity under SA report and related Evidence BaseReports).12.15 Policy 27: FloodingNotedWe are pleased that a policy on flooding (policy 27) has been included within the AAP.12.16 We are keen to ensure that the policy is broadly aligned with national Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk (PPS25) and importantly does not contradict it.We recommend changing parts of the policy wording to ensure this is the case and to reduce the chance of misinterpretation. We would also welcome to be re-consulted on anew version of the policy 27.Policy and plans updatedIt should be noted that we would expect the policy to encourage steering a development away from flood risk areas at that first stage. Policy 27, in our opinion, does notsufficiently promote this. However, as required by PPS25, a proposed development should be safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere and we feel this is sufficiently coveredby proposed policy.We recommend not putting the following sentence in the policy as it may promote the unnecessary re-alignment of floodplain: “The Council acknowledges that there may beopportunities to re-align the floodplain to increase the development area in part of the floodplain subject to more detailed design development and flooding studies.”We do not advocate alteration to natural floodplains, (and particularly the functional floodplain) in order to maximize development land. We acknowledge that some floodplainre-alignment may be beneficial given that the regeneration area has been much modified in the past, and where wider betterment can be achieved this may be desirable.We welcome the promotion of reducing flood risk both within and outside of the regeneration area, as shown by Policy 27, however, committing to an overall layout withoutconsideration of the potential for downstream flood alleviation (such as through additional flood storage) may mean that opportunities for alleviating flooding are missed (seesection SA Report and Evidence Base Reports; subsection Flood Risk - The Preferred Option for more details).12.17 Policy 28: SUDS and drainageSuDs references incorporatedAlthough we welcome the inclusion of a specific SuDS policy we would wish to see greater cross referencing to other sections. The AAP does no provide a strong enoughapproach in terms of promoting Sustainable Drainage Systems in the Northern Quarter. For example the word `should` in the opening sentence of the policy if substituted with`will` would demonstrate a clearer commitment and be more consistent with the wording or other proposed policies.Although detailed consideration of issues of relating to geology and contamination is required, the use of soakaways and swales should not be dismissed prematurely, on thegrounds that the soil is unsuitable for infiltration or contamination. It is now widely acknowledged that SuDS are essential in flood risk management, sustainable development andplanning policy requires them wherever possible. We consider SuDS can be incorporate in all development proposals to a greater or less extent depending on the scale andnature of development.12.18 Policy 29: Mining.Insertion of ‘contaminated groundwater’ could be placed in the text for key issues in section 7.107.12.19 Policy 30: Contaminated Land and groundwaterUpdatedpolicy and text updatedSection 7.108We would recommend the consideration of the insertion of the paragraph below, instead of‘However, under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and following the procedures set out in The Model Procedures for the Management of Contaminated Land (CLR11, 2004),

Organisation ID Comment Responsesite investigation works to identify contaminated land and the potential interaction with groundwater will be carried out as appropriate to inform the ongoing development of the masterplan’.‘However, regeneration and the planning regime allow contamination issues to be addressed and can ultimately result in betterment providing the correct approach is taken. Interms of protection of controlled waters guidance in PPS23: Planning and Pollution Control, Annex 2: Development on Land Affected by Contamination should be referred toand considered prior to the submission of any planning application. In line with PPS23 all planning applications should be submitted with at least a preliminary risk assessment,when contamination is a potential issue. Preliminary risk assessments and site investigations should be in accordance with the Model Procedures for the Management of LandContamination (CLR11).’Policy 30Although we support this policy we would recommend that the following sentence is inserted:“The policy will seek to promote, and be in accordance with, the aims and objectives of PPS23.”12.20 Policy 32: WastePolicy updatedAs highlighted in PPS10 waste should be considered as a resource. The active management of waste should see it pushed up the ‘waste hierarchy’, with disposal a choice of lastresort. Therefore, we would support the diverting of increasing amounts of waste from landfill through increasing recycling, re-use and recovery of materials. Efforts must bemade to reverse the growth in waste, recover the maximum resource value from the waste produced, and accelerate progress in delivering increased waste managementcapacity.We would particularly welcome a focus on reducing the landfilling of commercial and industrial waste, through new targets and further consideration of restricting the landfillingof biodegradable wastes or recyclable materials. Waste collection systems which aim to minimise waste at source should be adopted throughout the district, and separatecollections of recyclable and compostable materials introduced. Construction & demolition waste must also be considered. The District Council must take into account theWaste Hierarchy when deciding upon the type of waste facility.It would be beneficial to improve policy 32 by including some of the above information.The following DEFRA guidance should also prove useful:http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/localauth/planning/documents/infosheet12.pdfhttp://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/localauth/planning/documents/infosheet11.pdf12.21 We noticed that there are a couple of typographical errors in this section – “7.117” needs removing as this appears half way through a sentence, and at the end of the paragraphin this section, “Core” and “Waste” need to be exchanged to read “Waste Core Strategy”.12.22 Policy 33: Renewable EnergyUpdatedUpdated policyWe welcome this policy and also the proposed energy centre which is located in close proximity to the site. However, that policy is too general and is not committing to anydetailed thresholds. For example, the policy does not detail what % of renewable energy should be used within new development. In addition, a reference should have been madeto HCA guidance in relation to Code for Sustainable Homes Standards as outlined in policy 9.As the Government’s target for zero carbon development is 2016 it is important the planning policy created now sets the appropriate standards and is sufficiently forwardlookingdespite current economic conditions that may mean developers are unwilling to commit to zero-carbon currently.Additional policy requiredIn terms of Planning Policy, reference should be made to the provision of adequate sewerage infrastructure (sewer network and treatment works) to protect water quality andprevent foul flooding. There is no such policy within AAP Report and given the problems we have already outlined with low flow in Cinderford Brook, we recommend this isincluded.12.23 Foul Drainage policyIf there is inadequate capacity, development could put pressure on the system leading to more frequent discharges of sewage to rivers and could compromise WFD compliance.Updated policy

Organisation ID Comment ResponsePlanning Policy should require that sewerage capacity be fully investigated and any required improvements made. There should be no unplanned increases of sewage dischargesfrom existing storm overflows and no new storm overflows as a result of new development12.24 SA REPORT AND RELATED EVIDENCE BASE REPORTSAAP approach updatedOur main concerns, previously highlighted, were that the SA Scoping Report omitted the themes on land contamination and water quality through the whole document. Also thereport did not pick up the existing problem with low flows in the Cindeford Brook and potential issues related to water abstraction and sewer disposal which might have animplication to the future development in this area. Finally, we have raised concerns that all three proposed options may fail the assessment of flood risk. We have now reviewedthe SA Report and relevant evidence base reports and we provide our comments below:12.25 WATER QUALITYAs already highlighted in our previous correspondence a section on water quality was missing in the SA Scoping report. It is important that this theme is covered within alldocuments for this regeneration due to known problems with low flows in the Cinderford Brook. Although the SA report now picks up this issue (see Annex B, B14 of SAreport) we do not consider this to be sufficient and more information on water quality was expected within the SA report and Baseline Report. In addition, there is also nopolicy which would cover potential issues with foul drainage within AAP report (as mentioned above in the AAP report section).Environment Agency concerns regarding waterquality have been addressed in the revisedwording to the Pre-Submission Draft AAP(Policy 28) and the updated assessmentpresented12.26 SA ReportNoted – AAP updated accordinglySection ‘River Quality’ (p.B14)This section should include reference to the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The River Severn River Basin Management Plan will develop measures to enable us to achievegood ecological status in as many water bodies as possible by 2015, and in all water bodies where it is technically feasible by 2027. The plan will be finalised and adopted betweennow and the end of the year. It will require no deterioration in the quality of watercourses in this study area and where waterbodies are not achieving good ecologicalstatus, show improvements in overall quality in line with the quality standards specified in the document. Failure to comply with the WFD requirements may lead to theEuropean Commission bringing legal proceedings against the UK. Local Authorities have a general responsibility not to compromise the achievement of UK compliance with ECDirectives.Waterbodies within this study are included: Cinderford Brook - source to confluence Blackpool Brook (Water Body ref. GB109054032710)Water quality (chemical) has been improving in recent years and the WFD aims to build on this. The WFD introduces a new concept of 'good status' that is far more rigorousthan previous water quality reporting schemes and hence compliance with the new WFD standards is currently low.The Cinderford Brook has been determined to have an Ecological Status of Poor. The elements found to be less than good status are phytobenthos, fish and phosphate.Phosphate can lead to excessive plant growth and decay (eutrophication) and can damage fish and habitats.This sustainability appraisal needs to be brought up to date by discussing the WFD and the Severn River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) - all available on our website:www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33106.aspxThere are also other relevant EC Directives that should inform the baseline. The EC Directive on Freshwater Fish is designed to protect and improve the quality of rivers andlakes to encourage healthy fish populations. It sets water quality standards and monitoring requirements for areas of water which are chosen, or 'designated' by Defra. These'designated' areas of water are selected because they are significant bodies of water which are capable of supporting fish populations. The Cinderford Brook is designatedsalmonid under the Freshwater Fish Directive12.27 Section Water Resources (p.44)Text and policies updatedThis section covers more than just water resources. We pointed out that the section support the opportunity for waste water to divert to Blakeney STW, as this will reduce thenutrient load to the Cindeford Brook from Cinderford Crumpmeadow sewage works. There may be spare capacity under the current discharge Consent for some of this wastewater from this development to go to Cinderford sewage treatment works. However, due to low dilution and the WFD non-compliance, it should not be assumed that thisworks can be expanded to accommodate more effluent beyond what it is currently consented. Prior consultation with the Environment Agency and the water company will berequired if this approach is considered.

Organisation ID Comment ResponseThe Environment Agency has produced guidance called "Pollution Prevention Pays - Getting Your Site Right" aimed at small and medium sized businesses to help them reducethe risk of causing environmental pollution but is also relevant to many larger businesses. The 8 sections cover topics including site drainage, deliveries and materials handling,waste management, groundwater and training and emergencies. Each section gives some background about the topic covered and details action points that will help protect theenvironment. The document could be downloaded from the link below:http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/pollution/36641.aspx12.28 Baseline ReportThe report lacks a separate section specifically on water quality. We noticed that there is a brief mention of water quality on page 117, however it only repeats the sameinformation as the scoping report sustainability appraisal. Baseline data should include what has been mentioned above.Water quality has been addressed in moredetail in AAP12.29 SA reportSA updated to reflectSection 6.2.5We welcome that low flow issues in Cinderford Brook have now been picked up in this section. However we would disagree with the phrase under “Collective Opportunities” subsectionwhich states: “The opportunity to maintain a constant flow in Cinderford Brook........etc”. We would suggest the following instead of the above: “Return to flow patternswhich reflect those which would naturally occur. Ensure variability through the flow regime.”12.30 Design Standards ReportPolicy updatedSection 2.7Code for Sustainable Homes:-as highlighted in our previous letter, due to the site specific conditions with low flow problems we would require level 4 or above or Level 4 as aminimum standard to be used for new developments in this area.12.31 FLOOD RISKWe previously commented on this matter in a letter dated 23 July 2009. Since this time the regeneration initiative has progressed to a point where a preferred option hasemerged. The Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for Cinderford has now been finalised and its findings used to guide the development of the emerging preferredoption and the preferred option.The comments below should be read in conjunction with the comments we previously provided.Overview of Our Position on flood riskWe welcome the approach taken to developing the preferred option taking into consideration flood risk. In our previous correspondence we highlighted concerns about allthree of the options presented. We recognise the significant adjustments that have been made to reduce flood risk in developing the preferred option layout.Our principal concern with the preferred option layout is the location of the car parking area within Flood Zone 3b (the functional floodplain). This is contrary to Planning PolicyStatement 25: Development and Flood Risk Vulnerability and Flood Zone Compatibility matrix (Table D.3). We consider car parking to be 'less vulnerable' development which isnot compatible with Flood Zone 3b). The car park should be located elsewhere, or suitable alternative flood storage compensation be identified if the land is proposed to beraised. Raising land may be costly and have other environmental impacts and therefore may not be a sustainable option.We provide further comments with regard to the Appraisal of Flood Risk Draft:Appraisal of Flood Risk - DraftSection 5.3Table 2 provides information on the PPS25 vulnerability classification of proposed development types within the regeneration area.Car parking is indicated as being classified as ’water compatible’ development whereas it should be classified as ‘less vulnerable’. PPS25 Table D.2 lists types of development andCar park proposal removed from floodplainand policy on flooding updated

Organisation ID Comment Responsetheir vulnerability classifications. Whilst car parking is not explicitly classified in PPS25 Table D.2, water compatible development is only that which may be necessary to belocated in the functional floodplain by way of its nature, or essentially undeveloped land (e.g. public open space).One risk with locating car parking in flood zone 3b is that people will most likely attempt to remove their cars from flooding areas and potentially put themselves at risk. (A caris often the second most expensive purchase people make after a house). Therefore locating such uses in areas that are liable to flood more regularly can present a risk topeople and property.Section 5.4We have concerns with the comment that re-design and re-engineering is required because some of the eastern area of the site is located within Flood Zone 3b (the ‘functionalfloodplain’), which is the area expected to flood in a 1 in 20 year return period (or more regular) flood event.The Level 2 SFRA recommends that areas of functional floodplain remain as open space, and this is reiterated on page 15 of the Appraisal of Flood Risk draft. This is also inaccordance in PPS25.The floodplain is an important part of any watercourse that acts to attenuate flood waters and reduce the magnitude of flooding downstream. Regular flooding of undevelopedareas of functional floodplain is beneficial.Locating a car park within the functional floodplain places property in a high risk area and may also increase the risk of blockage to the watercourse downstream. Conversely,raising land proposed to be a car park outside of the functional floodplain will result in a loss of floodplain storage and result in an increase in flood risk elsewhere unless floodstorage compensation is provided. If flood storage compensation is proposed then the compensation area should be highlighted.The Preferred OptionWith the exception of the location of the car park area in Flood Zone 3b, as discussed above, we are satisfied with the preferred option.We recommend that consideration be given to incorporating a greater volume of flood storage within the regeneration area to reduce the risk of flooding downstream. We notethe commitment made to reduce flood risk to development both within and outside of the regeneration area. If this is not considered at this stage of the regeneration initiative(i.e. when the masterplan layout is being finalised), then the opportunity to fully realise the potential for flood alleviation may be missed. We are aware that several propertiesdownstream of the site are located in areas of flood risk and have indeed flooded several times in recent years.PPS1 advocates protection and enhancement, and PPS25 advocates betterment. Therefore we expect the AAP to secure these aspirations where possible.12.31 Other Issues for ConsiderationThe area has a number of minor watercourses/ditches that feed into Cinderford Brook within the regeneration area. The location of these features, as shown by Figure 7 in theLevel 2 SFRA, coincide with some areas proposed for development within the regeneration initiative. These minor watercourses and other drainage features should be taken intoconsideration early on when the regeneration initiative is progressed.Noted. Plans have been updated to showsignificant minor watercourses.12.32 The primary drainage pathways should remain open where possible, we are opposed to culverting except where it is necessary (i.e to allow access). The opportunity should betaken to open up any existing culverts where possible as this will reduce the risk of flooding and provide environmental benefits.NotedDrainage from within new development areas should be open where possible in line with the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) philosophy.12.33 LAND CONTAMINATIONNotedSA ReportIt is welcomed that the inclusion of contaminated land has now been incorporated as an independent section in Annex A, Annex B and Section 4. Land contamination objectiveshave also been included within the Table 6.3 (Appraisal Framework).Within the Key Sustainability Issues, we are pleased to see the prioritisation of brownfield sites in the siting of new facilities and opportunity to remediate contaminated land andgroundwater. It is recognised that a thorough site investigation of the study area/areas will be undertaken at the time of the planning application through the planning process(PPS23).

Organisation ID Comment ResponseAppendix B is the summary of the baseline data along with additional considerations. It should be noted that the Groundwater Protection Policy has recently been updated to beconsistent with the Water Framework Directive and as such, aquifers have been re-designated. Principal Aquifer, Secondary Aquifer and Unproductive Strata have been replacedthe old Major, Minor and Non-aquifers. Secondary Aquifer are further subdivided into two types:• Secondary A – Permeable strata capable of supporting water supplies at local rather than strategic scale and in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers.These generally equate to aquifers formerly classified as ‘minor’ aquifers’.• Secondary B – Predominantly lower permeability strata which may in part have the ability to store and yield limited amounts of groundwater by virtue of localised features suchas fissures, thin permeable horizons and weathering. These are generally the water bearing parts of the former ‘non aquifers’.The underlying drift deposits (both alluvium and head deposits) and the Coal Measures strata should recognised as a Secondary A Aquifer within the report.12.34 Baseline ReportOn review of the report it would appear that the baseline contaminated land and groundwater aspects of the site have been appraised to a responsible level expected at thisstage. Whilst it is appreciated that contaminated land has been considered, it would appear that as the contaminated land section is located within the mining legacy section andtherefore, the section for the best part concentrates on the historic mining contamination. It should be noted that any land that has been historically developed in the past orlocated within close proximity of developed land, in particular industrial land has the potential to be contaminated. Given that the majority of the study area has been historicallydeveloped or used, the emphasis regarding other land uses could be increased.The offsite disposal of liquid aluminium down a former mine shaft will be an important factor in the characterisation of the underlying groundwater body. Further investigationinto this activity i.e. depth and construction of shaft, the period of disposal, analysis of the monitoring samples should be undertaken as part of the first phase investigation.12.35 BIODIVERSITYNotedNotedThe following comments on the draft Habitats Screening Assessment submitted as part of the supporting evidence for the AAP are also of relevance to policy 26 Habitats as wellas the screening assessment and the sustainability appraisal. However it should be noted that we will make the additional comments on policies related biodiversity later in thisletter.Habitats Screening AssessmentThe section on Hazard and Impact Identification makes insufficient reference to fish as potential receptors. Although table 4.1 includes habitat loss, nutrient enrichment siltationand toxic contamination as hazards relevant to Anadromous fish the likelihood of these hazards giving rise to actual impacts on fish has not been sufficiently explored insubsequent tables and sections.Although the confluence with the Severn Estuary is 12 km away the assessment of impacts needs to consider whether any of the designated fish species spawn, or couldpotentially spawn, in this tributary of the European site. The habitats regulations acknowledge that the breeding or life cycle requirements of some designated features dependon habitats outside the boundary of the European site itself and the same precautionary approach to the protection and process of assessment needs to apply to for example anyspawning habitat of lamprey species.Furthermore the assessment needs to demonstrate that potential operational impacts, such as adverse impacts on flow regimes, and permanent construction impacts, forexample river crossings and outfall construction, will not impact on the above species.Given the potential for land contamination it is too early to scope out the risk of toxic contamination until the risks and mitigation measures are better understood.We agree that further assessment is required with respect to existing and potential bat usage of the AAP area to ensure habitats and habitat linkages through the site areretained. We also agree that bat flight lines are a critical aspect of this but there may be other issues that also need further consideration. We would need clarification onwhether it is known if there are any winter hibernation sites within the AAP area. For example whether all the old mind shafts are backfilled.12.36 Also the following questions should be considered:NotedIs any of the grassland in the site critical foraging habitat for bats. If so is the habitat loss significant? Why is there no mention of the typical and possible flight distances of lesserand greater horseshoe bats? How much is known about whether individuals using the Northern United roost interact with the protected sites?Whilst we are not a lead Authority on Bats (this would fall within the remit of Natural England), we would provide these comments anyway for completeness.

Organisation ID Comment Response12.37 CONCLUSIONSee detailed comments aboveTo conclude on the SA report we welcome that our previous comments were addressed. We are pleased that a theme on Land Contamination has been included and weconsider the information to be sufficient for the SA Report. However, the information on water quality is not sufficient enough and we would expect that more information (asprovided above) should be added in the SA Report and Baseline Report. In addition, although we are pleased that flood risk has been taken into consideration when choosing apreferred option, we are not satisfied with the proposed car park which is situated in the functional floodplain.Having reviewed the information submitted on biodiversity matters we think that there are still outstanding questions and we would recommend the additional assessmentparticularly on the current bio-corridors to be undertaken at this stage.13, RikiThervial, peerreview13.1 Baseline without the scheme to be updated to incorporate a topic by topic consideration SA updated to reflect13.2 Consider conclusions in relation to climate change and transport demands from the site SA updated to reflect13.3 Include limitations section (see comment 38) SA updated to reflect13.4 Include comments on where the water for the site would come from or where any wastewater would go to - (see also comment 23) SA and AAP Policy updated13.5 HRSA to clarify status and future planning approach) Noted and undertaken13.6 AAP to strengthen links with HRSA (see comments above) Noted and undertaken13.7 AAP and Core Strategy HRA documents to be coordinated Noted13.8 Could Policy 5 not be made rather more specific, e.g. by identifying the kind of works needed to deal with the most significant negative impacts Updated14. Mrs LizScrivens15. NigelPhillips14.1 VisionFirst sentence might refer to all not just "local people". Especially as a hotel and recreational facilites are included. Last sentence: wider benefits might include employmentopportunities from a variety of sources genrated by the Plans. It appears some local people feel employment or the lack nof it has caused many problems ec perienced byCinderford and its reesidents.15.1 VisionNo The vision given is that of planners and consultants who do not live in or interact with the needs and demands of the local community. The main economic benefits of thevision will be the the Hotel, College and Developement companies. On site shops will discourage movement to Cinderford town centre. The Inspectors report into the previousplan (2005) has not been integrated into this AAP. Specifically the opportunity for the Heritage and Tradition of the Forest of Dean Landscape and Industrial Archeology as wellas the potential for tourism all of interest to and adding value to the local comunity. The lanscape will be lost forever along with public access to a recreational area. Thedestruction of regenerative woodland species, Alder Carr, (the site of the Hotel) the first stage in reafforestation. While a tourism and heritage centre would provide outsideinterest and local opportunity a Hotel and College would be out of character on what is an open site. Benefits would flow to the Hotel and College not to local business. TheHotel would be of detriment to local Hotels and Guesthouses, along with any associated shops/business's. An activity centre would discourage visitors and local people toexplore the local environment and experience the Biodiversity of the area. Â15.2 ThemesNo Theme 1 - How can a Hotel and College provide sustainability? How many weeks of the year is a college open? For what reasons will guests be using the Hotel? WillCinderford receive any benefits? Theme 2 - The main developements are two miles away from Cinderford Town Centre. The benefits would fall to Steam Mills Theme 3 - Shouldmoney for regeneration to a mining area be spent on a college? What is the local (cinderford) population of the College at present? The community needs regenerating not aneducational establishment. Theme 4 - All of the things that make up this area will be destroyed by the developement, especially the open space, mining history and theregenerative species that are now inhabiting the area. Theme 5 - How much of the residential developement is designed as affordable to the local population? Theme 6 - TheHotel will take trade from existing business's, a cafe will provide a means whereby people will not have to travel to Cinderford town. Theme 7 - The developement does notappear to work with any existing communities as their does not appear to be any facilities locally to support. Theme 8 - I feel the plan has neither broad support or is realistic.NotedVision has been informed by lengthyconsultation process as well as wider evidencebase and objectives.Points notedThe main attraction for the Area is the Forest of Dean. This should be built upon, The Mining History, both Coal and Iron Ore several of the pioneers in these process's livedand worked in the Area. The Forest was once "The playground of Kings", Supplied Oak for Nelsons ships, was the training ground for Mine Rescue developed by Arthur B.Clifford who compiled the Rescue Mans Manual for use in Mine Rescue. Not enough thought appears to have been given to build upon both the local heritage and localknowledge.   Â

Organisation ID Comment Response15.3 Chapter 5For sustainability the objective must be to attract and hold not only the local community but people from outside the area. The attractions of the biodiversity, landscape, habitatand cultural heritage will be destroyed by a developement in an area that is recovering from its industrial past. It affords a unique opportunity for this recovery to be documentedand understood. At the present time the local nusery in Valley Road uses the area as an attraction for its young charges giving them an appreciation of the local wildlife. Thiscan be biult upon to include the areas mining heritage and history much of which is documented but not not readily available for view. This can be resolved by a dedicatedmining/cultural/tourism facility in conjunction with the uniqueness of the Miners Welfare Hall in Cinderford town along with pathways to and from the area following the miningcultural heritage with interactive information points.  The area's top attractions are the wildlife, peaceful surroundings and landscape along with the biodiversity that hasdeveloped including the Wild Brown Trout along with the numbers of European eel that inhabit the lake both of which are offered an area in which to thrive. In addition thelake attracts anglers (and families) from Yorkshire and London who spend time and money in the local area staying at caravan sites and guesthouses shopping locally.  ÂPolicies define a balanced framework to ensureheritage, biodiversity, landscape andenvironmental issues are fully incorporatedAdditional access for cyclists will not provide anything towards regeneration. Cyclists reach the area by car, park, get on their bikes return to the car and leave the area. Theymay make use of a cafe/shop where they park but do not enter the towns to spend money locally. The Forest of Dean is crisscrossed with numerous cycleways and in somecases these encourage use by youths riding moto cross bikes creating a hazard for walkers and distubing the wildlife. The area encompassed makes it difficult to policeeffectively.Â15.4 Policy 1: Strategic Amenity Hub - Do you agree with the proposed role of the Northern Quarter?No. Valley Road Cinderford already provides sites for prospective employers Is their an identified need for Higher Education in Cinderford alone as distinct from the widerForest of Dean community? The developement would encourage a separate identity for the area. Has the Town of Cinderford not identified brownfield sites for local facilitiesand amenities? What has happened to the proposed Miners Welfare Hall regeneration? This would provide a known and accepted by the local community centre for facilitiesand amenities. Affordable housing is provided by developers usually at the expense of unaffordable housing. The green forest setting as wel as the landscape woulddisappear under the developement. Why would anyone visit a college/industrial units/housing developement/hotel at a weekend or evening?  Â15.5 Policy 1: Strategic Amenity Hub - Are there any additional aims we should include?Keep those aspects of the site that attract developement. A green landscape full of biodiversity Develope the Northern United site, not the green environs15.6 Do you agree with the approach to negotiating developer contributions?Yes but these are dependant upon the developers profits from the developement as well as economic conditions prevailing at the time.Â15.7 Do you agree with the proposed approach to each character area?No the approach should focus initially upon the derelict Northern United site.15.8 Is this the right mix of uses for the Northern United site?No15.9 Is the potential for introducing live-work acceptable on the Northern United site?Yes15.10 Is the Linear Park approach correct?Yes15.11 Did you find this consultation easy to follow? Was the information clear?No, it appears contradictory in some respects (particularly some of the maps), making it difficult to see exactly whether we are supposed to be commenting on a single finaloption or the suggested alternatives. Asking for responses to specific questions in particular sections makes it difficult to formulate a coherent single argument relating to aspecific issue when that issue is not one of the council's headings, and forces respondents like myself to make the submission in what may not be the most appropriate section inorder that all the points can be put across in one place. The approach used may work well for professional consultants who fully understand the processes being used, but it isnot user-friendly for private individuals who will want to make one submission with all the issues of concern to them, without trying to put them into different pigeonholes.15.12 Habitats - Do you agree with the proposed approach to habitats in the AAP? You may also wish to comment on the screening assessment or thesustainability appraisal.The lake and watercouses provide breeding habitat for native Wild Brown Trout and habitat for the threatened European Eel15.13 Chapter 6 – strategic role of Northern QuarterNo. It will encourage a separate AAP community without effective links to the area15.14 Chapter 6 – Area Development FrameworkNo. It seeks to dilute the area into an area that can be found in any part of the countryDevelopment is on a brownfield site andpolicies encourage careful integration ofhabitat, landscape and environmental issuesSee 15.4NotedNoted. The Northern United site is now inphase 1.NotedNotedNotedNoted – the final draft of the AAP provides aclearer overview of proposals as opposed tooptionsNotedThe AAP promotes careful integration withSteam Mills and the educational andrecreational uses on the site serve a widecatchment.Policies encourage a contextual design

Organisation ID Comment Responseapproach16. MarkMurphy, CrimePreventionOfficer,GloucestershireConstabulary15.15 Is the broad approach to the environment and landscape correct?No. Under the key proposals the assets will be at best diluted at worst lost. The area needs to be retained as an open space area for local and tourist use. Developement shouldtake place on the former colliery site. Developement is proposed next to watercourses that provide green corridors and access to drinking water for wildlife especiallyKingfishers that have recently begun to use the site. Watercourses and floodplain will be lost to the demands of development15.16 Do you agree with the proposed movement framework?The movement framework would discourage visitors to Cinderford town and become a by-pass accelerating decline in the town centre Walkers require information and pointsof interest to visit along with a history of the walk/area this does not appear to have been developed as part of the AAP more left as a bolt on! Cyclists already have many milesof trails in the Forest of Dean, the area could be marketed as a peaceful area much as when the nobility hunted in the area when it was designated a Royal Forest. How manycycle trails are present in Westonbirt?15.17 Is the AAP approach to sustainability correct?Not being a town planner I feel unable to comment, however what is meant by affordable housing? Affordable to who?15.18 Policy 2: Cross-cutting approach to sustainability - Does the AAP place enough emphasis on sustainability?The sustainability proposed for the AAP is clear and concise, covering a broad-spectrum environmental design.It does not account for the CO 2 produced from incidents of crime, each generating varying levels of CO 2 tonnage.16.1 ThemesThe themes cover a variety social and environmental aspiration, which will guide the development in a positive manner.16.2 ThemesGloucestershire Constabulary would like to see an additional theme of "Safety and Security"; this would provide designed spaces and buildings, which removes the fear of crimethrough the principles of Secured By Design (SBD) and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).16.3 Is the AAP approach to sustainability correct?Sustainable housing should be built with materials and methods that are compliment with CO 2 reduction. Research by Professor Ken Pease of Loughborough University is stillawaiting final publication but the preliminary data outlines the Carbon Footprint of crime (see below table), with each crime generating various levels of CO 2 tonnage thedevelopment should provide a standard of security for all buildings that negate crime and the fear of crime. Crime Statistics Report and CO2 output Period : 01OCT2008 -28OCT2009 and period 2009/ 2010 YTD [01APR 2009 - 28OCT2009] Cinderford        Offence Class/Banding Period : 01OCT2008 - 28OCT2009 2009/ 2010Year To Date [01APR 2009 -28OCT2009] Crimes CO2 tonnage Total CO2 Crimes Detected %Detn Rate Homicide  170.63   170.63  VIOLENCE AGAINST THEPERSON - serious(18.21) and other wounding(2.14), common assault(0.45) 324 18.21 5900.04 173 18.21 3150.33 SEXUAL OFFENCES 15 4.92 73.8 13 4.92 63.96 ROBBERY 33.71 11.13 1 3.71 3.71 VIOLENT CRIME 342  0 187  0 Burglary Dwelling 63 2.5 157.5 39 2.5 97.5 Burglary Non Dwelling 172 2.5 430 74 2.5 185 BURGLARY - total 235 Â0 113  0 Theft From Motor Vehicle 93 0.47 43.71 47 0.47 22.09 Theft Of / TWOC 84 2.75 231 32 2.75 88 AUTO CRIME - attempted vehicle crime 177 0.26 46.02 79 0.2620.54 Other Theft & Handling 291 0.56 162.96 136 0.56 76.16 THEFT & HANDLING 468  0 215  0 FRAUD & FORGERY 28  0 11  0 CRIMINAL DAMAGE 353 0.39137.67 180 0.39 70.2 Trafficking Of Drugs 7  0 5  0 Possession Of Drugs 13  0 11  0 Other Drug Offences 5  0 1  0 DRUG OFFENCES 25  0 17  0 OTHERNOTIFIABLE OFFENCES 20  0 9  0 TOTAL 1471  7193.8 732  3777.5 Â16.3 Chapter 5Crime prevention and Security. The future development would benefit from good crime prevention advice that promotes happier neighbourhoods, contentment and satisfactionfrom residents and increased trade for businesses; crime prevention would offer a lower CO 2 footprint and therefore greater sustainability. Encouraging all developers toachieve Secured By Design awards on all buildings, parking and environmental design as described within Safer Places - The Planning System and Crime prevention (2004), alsoreferenced in the project's Master Plan and the 2008 Communities and Local Government's paper "The Code for Sustainable Housing." These documents highlight the benefit ofSecured By Design and the Constabulary would like to see this used throughout the entire area of development.16.10 Is this the right mix of uses for the Northern United site?In designing the Northern Quarter the harmonious cohesion between residential, employment, community and leisure can be assisted by the application of crime preventiontechniques. These techniques cover general security, secure parking, encouraging ownership of public and private spaces, establishing defensible spaces and ensuring play andsports areas are designed as part of the entire scheme.16.11 Are there any other principles that should be included?Inclusion of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles and Secured By Design accreditation on all developments16.12 Do you agree with the overall aspiration to enhance the accessibility of the Northern Quarter?Considering the impact of crime on the environment and the sustainable requirements of the development, Secured By Design and Crime Prevention Through EnvironmentalDesign should be used throughout.Policies encourage careful integration ofenvironmental and lansacpe issues withappropriate mitigation strategiesThe new route does not by pass the towncentre. Cycle strategy focuses on encouragingtrips by car rather than cycle (it is not aproposal for recreational cycling per se)Affordable to local people who might nototherwise be able to afford the full market rateNoted-NotedSee Policy 9NotedNoted – see policy 9NotedNoted – see policy 9Noted – see policy 9

Organisation ID Comment Response17. Mr BrianPhillips16.13 Road hierarchy and spine road - Do you support the proposed spine road?The proposed Spine Road offers a safer entry into the new development and will take the traffic flow away from the Steam Mills area.The design should consider the access into Steam Mills from the current junction on the A4136.16.14 Have we placed enough emphasis on improving pedestrian links with surrounding areas?The development should consider the permeability of the development. Open access routes through the site would encourage free movement; but potential offenders would beable to roam the footpaths and remain unchallenged, being able to break down an individual's defensible/ personal space because their presence could be justifiable.16.15 Cycling network - Are there any additional measures the AAP could promote?Using the principles of Secured By Design and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, paths and cycleway should be designed to offer good visibility over both thetrack and the ground bordering it. This can be provided by growing and maintaining a low level planting scheme along the path's edge and offering a higher planting schemefurther back; thus removing the potential of long dark corridors through heavy planting.16.16 Parking - Do you agree with the proposed approach to parking in the Northern Quarter?Public parking spaces should be designed with the crime prevention principles outlined by the Park Mark scheme. Residential parking should be overlooked by the relevantproperty, in curtilage parking should provide property delineation and garages should provide a lockable compound.16.17 New educational uses - Are the proposed criteria and location correct?Any development within the education sector would be greatly encouraged, however the size and design of the campus should be proportionate to the development, providesafety and security for pupils and staff, while encouraging good links with the surrounding areas. Developments within the 2009 education structure will need to be addressedwithin this AAP as the sustainability of moving pupils to neighbouring schools would require a level of security and prove environmental costly. Taking the Northern Quarter asan educational platform, the development would provide examples of progressive environmental design, education and awareness throughout The Forest and Gloucestershire.16.18 Employment uses - Does the AAP provide a strong enough position on design quality?The business elements within the development will need to be designed in order to provide a level of security to safe guard personnel, buildings, equipment, stock and the longtermfuture of the area. In addition to building security, crime prevention principles should be implemented to cover car parks and surrounding areas.16.19 Residential development - Does the AAP propose the right amount of housing?The residential areas of the development will need to be designed with crime prevention in mind; while using materials, techniques and site layout suitable for the development.17.1 Road hierarchy and spine road - Do you agree with the proposed hierarchy of roads?The proposed spine road uses an existing ride through the forest to Hawkwell. This ride will be used by many species of wildlife. In particular, there are established deer pathswhich cross it at several points, which means the risk of collision with these animals will be high unless the road is fenced (which will only push the animals out onto the mainA4136), and wild boar have also been seen in this section of woodland recently. I have already made general comments on the bat population elsewhere in this consultation, butat least three species of bat (lesser horseshoe, common pipistrelle and noctule) have all been detected around Northern United and may be using this ride for commuting toforaging sites. Lesser horseshoes and pipistrelles certainly fly along and across the current minor road adjacent to the colliery site and would certainly be affected by anyenlargement of this road, increase in traffic volumes or new lighting installations if the proposed secondary road in the new configuration is implemented. I consider that it islikely to be less damaging to wildlife if the spine road takes the option of running adjacent to the Steam Mills Road and up to the Nailbridge traffic lights, and if entrance to theredeveloped Northern United site is made only from the A4136, using the current turn-off, without upgrading the existing minor road.17.2 Habitats - Do you agree with the proposed approach to habitats in the AAP? You may also wish to comment on the screening assessment or thesustainability appraisal.As it is difficult to establish exactly where it is appropriate to make comments relating to the effect of the proposed development on the local bat population, and the commentsneed to be made as one, I have chosen to do so in this section, as it specifically refers to the Bat Sites SAC. I note that your documents, in particular the HRA Screening Report,make extensive reference to the need to take account of the population of lesser horseshoe bats at Northern United, but I can see no evidence to indicate that detailedmitigation for the bats has been considered prior to defining the preferred options for development. It is stated that residential development at Northern United is undesirabledue to the increased lighting of the area at night which would affect the bats, yet the plan goes on to include 'live/work' units as part of the preferred option. If people are living atthe site there will inevitably be increased lighting at times when the bats will be emerging. I would consider that units which are not in use after dusk during the bats' activeseason would be preferable. Note that I have recorded bats being present in the buildings at the site as early as March and they remain at least until October. (On 8th August2009, at least 101 lesser horseshoes were counted by myself and other members of Gloucestershire Bat Group, and the number may be higher than this, as we can only countfrom outside the site and so cannot see all the buildings.) It has also to be considered that it is possible that they may use the pit baths building as a hibernation roost, as theconstruction is the same as at Princess Royal. If new industrial units are installed on the colliery site, this may introduce noise pollution at a level audible to bats, andappropriate assessment of the kinds of businesses to be installed there needs to be done to prevent undue disturbance to the bats which, if no longer present on the site itself,will still be close by in the new bat house. In particular, the proposed biomass plant will presumably use some kind of turbine, which is likely to generate noise at an ultrasoniclevel. Its proposed location, across the road from the colliery, is also at the end of a forest footpath which the bats use for commuting, where they have been seen to exit thewood and either enter the pit baths or continue flying round the side, possibly using the baths as a flight line in the direction of the small fishing lake. If the biomass plant operatesafter dark, there will be lighting, noise and possibly pollution issues for the bats to contend with. There is also no published evidence that anyone has so far done any work toNotedThe AAP encourages a good level ofpermeaibility to encourage accessibilityNotedNotedNotedNotedNotedSpine road updated – see policy 15 andsupporting textPolicies and supporting text updated

Organisation ID Comment Response18. EnglishHeritageestablish the bats' flight lines on leaving the roost. The preferred main road option uses a ride through the wood to Hawkwell. Given the proximity of the bat house, it is possiblethat bats may already be using this ride for commuting, and any lighting in this area may affect them, as well as the obvious risk of collision with vehicles. They will need access toforaging areas and out of the immediate area to the swarming and hibernation sites of the SAC which you have already identified. Lesser horseshoes are a species which generallyavoids lights, and could have to change their foraging and dispersal patterns if the new road system does not take proper account of their current behaviour. My feeling is thatthe suggested road layout option running adjacent to Steam Mills Road up to the Nailbridge traffic lights would be less likely to impact on the bats (and other wildlife), butresearch needs to be undertaken before any firm decision can be made. Note that bat detector surveys alone may not be sufficient, due to the highly directional nature of theecholocation calls from lesser horseshoes. (I can rarely detect them other than when they are emerging from roosts). Finally, it should be noted that a proportion of the bats arestill choosing to use their original roost sites, despite the bat house having been in place for several years. Although excluding them is a possibility, if the preferred option is toretain the character of the buildings at Northern United there is no reason why the refurbished slate-roofed buildings should not continue to allow access into their roof voidsfor the bats. This would provide a choice of breeding sites and a chance for this important colony to increase in size. Â Â18.1 No comments at this stage Noted19. DeputyGaveller,ForestryCommission20. LittledeanParish Council21. NationalGrid19.1 Cinderford Area Action Plan - Mining Legacy ReportThank you for sight of the above report. The considerations are realisitic although much of the proposed research re mine entries, has already been done by others in the pastand should be available.20.1 Councillors do not wish to comment on sections 1 and 4 of the consultation as they feel that these are unlikely to have either a negative or positive impact on the Parish ofLittledean. They wished to support all the proposed uses and activities listed under section 2 of the consultation. The Parish' Council considers and that the design principlepriorities, in order, under section 3 of the consultation should be: respect for the forest and its wildlife; use of local building materials and styles and improved road access to theNorthern Quarter and to Cinderford.21.1 Thank you for consulting National Grid on the above document. I wish to confirm that National Grid does not have any assets within the area covered by the CinderfordNorthern Quarter Area Action Plan and therefore we will not be submitting any comments.NotedNotedNoted22. ForestryCommission23. DrybrookParish Council22.1 1. The area provisionally allocated to the west of the spine road is woodland in the context of the Forestry Act 1981 and should be deleted Noted22.2 2. With regard to the development land adjacent to Coleford Brick and Tile, sufficient land should be left for the clay stockpile, unless we are able to provide this adjacent to Notedthe new source of clay.22.3 3. As discussed, the owners ofNorth Lodge have a Deed of Grant in perpetuity for access to their property in both directions (i.e. from Northern United and from Winner NotedGarage). They have agreed it is beneficial in the short to medium term for us to close the Winner Garage route..22.4 4. There may be some benefit in location of the restaurant and eco-centre on the lake edge. Subject to funding, the Forestry Commission would be interested in working Notedwith a tenant/operator for this facility.22.5 5. The Forestry Commission would require that FSC timber is used for development on any land currently in ouI ownership. I would hope that this would apply to the whole of Notedthe AAP area.22.6 6. At some stage, it would seem sensible to amend the AAP boundary to include the small area of development in Steam Mills currently outside. Once again, I am impressed bythe quality of the Consultant's work on the draft.Noted23.1 Why is Drybrook PC not mentioned as a respondent to the latest stage of the Cinderford regeneration scheme? All feedback has been reviewed and theomission of Drybrook Parish Council was notdeliberate. No individual person, organizationor business that completed the informalconsultation questionnaire (as Mr Smith did onbehalf of Drybrook PC) has been specificallymentioned. However, the people we havenamed in the report have written separateletters of comment.23.2 Also why, having been invited by the new consultants to the scheme to make observations, organisations such as Friends of the Forest and Dean Forest Voice do not get amention?The consultants have not received detailedfeedback from Dean Forest Voice or Friends ofthe Forest on this occasion. However, theywere invited and attended the stakeholderworkshop. The consultants met

Organisation ID Comment Responserepresentatives from various local groups inadvance of the May consultation, but this wasseparate to the sequence of May events thatthe report focuses on.23.3 Voices of opposition have consistently been ignored right through this so-called public consultation process, whilst enormous publicity is given to its supporters. In short, theconsultation is one-sided and undemocratic. Members of the public are hearing just one side of the story and being denied opposing information.All community consultation promoted by theForest of Dean District Council attempts to bebalanced and wide reaching.23.4 What hope is there that the voices of opponents of parts of the scheme are getting through to the ears of the real decision makers/funders The current consultation is part of a statutoryprocess and as such, feedback will be recordedin a formal consultation register. The DistrictCouncil will be required to provide a responseto key comments including supportive feedbackand comments that oppose the proposals. Thisdocument will be available alongside thepublished AAP in early 2010.23.5 The stakeholder workshop on 19 May - can you check whether the Friends of the Forest or Drybrook and Ruardean Parish Councils got an invite. There were only 39 peoplepresent INCLUDING the consultant team staff, this does not appear to be a good representation and I am disappointed to note that there does not appear to be anyrepresentation from existing businesses either in the industrial estate or in Cinderford itself. Please can she provide information on who was invited, when and how the inviteswere circulated.Friends of the Forest and all the local ParishCouncils received invites. These were sent outby post on 28 April 2009. Where addresseswere unknown or unavailable, invites were sentby email. I attach a copy of the distribution listfor your information.23.6 With regard to the fuller written submissions (p 28), not just responses to the questionnaire, it is interesting to see that Hartbury College (presumably this should be Hartpury)do not support the new road and request further information on the impact on protected species on the site.23.7 It appears that the Northern Quarter Regeneration are intent on putting in the new road but they have not mentioned what type of link there will be onto the A4136.Currently large lorries do get stuck on the existing steep hill, even in good weather. I understand the access further along towards Brierley is no less steep so although theystate the road is planned to follow an existing firebreak vehicles may again become stranded.Noted – the AAP preferred options documentand evidence base provides further detailsThe road design will be to the current highwaystandards and the gradients will be suitable forlorries on the main road. However, theconsultants working on the AAP are not taskedto address issues with the road topography onthe existing network outside the project area.This detailed work will be needed as part ofany outline or full planning application for thenew link road.23.8 Please can she provide information on the type of link to the A4136 (traffic lights, roundabout etc). The junction with the A4136 will have trafficlights.23.9 Whether there will be one or two as the plan seems to indicate 2 access roads. The plan is to build one new primary accessroad for the development from the A4136. Theroads at Northern United and Nailbridge willbe retained. The proposal will include roads foraccessing the residential and employment plots.23.10 What is planned to reduce the possibility of stranded lorries blocking the junction. The road design will be to the current highwaystandards and the gradients will be suitable forlorries on the main road. This will include

Organisation ID Comment Responseraising the earth levels at the approach to thejunction.23.11 I would like to know exactly when the traffic survey was carried out. Nailbridge junction: 05 July 2006, BroadmoorRoad/Steam Mills Road 29 April 200923.12 I recall that at a previous visit to the PC she had mentioned this would take place but at a time when the A40 west of Gloucester was being replaced. She expressed surprise tohear that many people were not using their normal commuting routes while this work was taking place and therefore any survey carried out then would be meaningless.Similarly it was recently documented in the media that traffic congestion had diminished due to the recession. Can she confirm whether the ‘hopefully’ temporary effects of therecession on traffic numbers has been factored into the assessment.The transport strategy includes a forecast howtraffic will increase/decrease in the long-term.Short-term effects, such as short-term peaks orlows in traffic flows, such as in this recession,have a negligible impact on the overall forecast.

46 Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 2011

APPENDIX 2:Further Consultation Report (2011)Schedule of representationsCinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201147

APPENDIX 2:Schedule of comments on Cinderford AAP Further Consultation ReportThe following table summarises comments received on the Further Consultation Report document from:1. Cinderford Town Council2. Environment Agency3. Dave Priddis, Licensed Bat Worker, representative of Bat Group4. Brian Phillips, representative of Bat Group5. Gloucestershire College6. English Heritage7. Natural England8. GCC9. Maurice Bent10. NHS11. Forestry Commission12. Forest Artist Network13. Alan Powell14. Bob Morgan15. Averil Kear16. Malvern Hills District Council17. Coal AuthorityOrganisation ID Comment Response1. CinderfordTown Council2. EnvironmentAgency1.1 General:The Town Council has now discussed the changes, and with regard to the two main changes from the Preferred Option Report, being the proposed alternative route for thespine road in the northern part of the site, and the changes to reflect the revised location and requirements for the education hub, the Members have agreed strong support forthe changes.2.1 General:First it should be noted that we were consulted on the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Preferred Options for the Cinderford AAP in 2009 and subsequently provided you withdetailed comments for these reports and evidence base documents in our letters ref. SV/2009/103522/01-L01 (dated 23 July 2009) and ref. SV/2009/103522/01-L01 (dated 4December 2009). As such the comments below should be read in conjunction with the comments we previously provided.2.2 Spine Road AlignmentQuestion 1: Do you prefer the new proposed road layout (partly using existing tracks) to the original new route from the A4136?Neither proposal raises concerns for us, but given that the proposed revised road will not cross the forest, it might reduce the ecological impact of the road, so this would bepreferable.NotedNoted, see schedule of responses to PreferredOptions consultationNoted.Question 2: Do you have any other views on the proposed change?No2.3 Location of Education and Skills Facility and Associated UsesQuestion 3: Do you prefer the new proposal (educational uses on the lakeside and housing/employment located to the east of the spine road) to the Preferred Option 2009?We previously raised concerns about the proposed car park location in the Preferred Option 2009, which would serve the education and skills facility, as this appeared to be, inline with Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), located in the functional floodplain (Flood Zone 3b-high probability of flooding). We therefore welcome the relocationof land for education facilities and associated car park which is now located outside of the high flood risk area. We would recommend that the sequential test (Table 8 in theCinderford Final Draft Flood Appraisal document) is updated to take account of these changes, so an up to date evidence base is available for any subsequent examination inpublic.NotedQuestion 4: Whatever your views on the new location, what do you consider important about the proposed education use?We would consider the location of the new education facility outside of the high flood risk area to be important, in addition it should be designed and built in a sustainable wayby using local materials and achieving high energy and water consumption standards along with comprehensive Sustainable Drainage Systems.2.4 Other commentsQuestion 5: Other points?Noted. The education facility will bedeveloped to the BREEAM excellent standardas a minimum.

Organisation ID Comment ResponseWe have no additional comments in relation to the proposed road and educational facilitiesNoted.3. Dave Priddis,Licensed BatWorker,representativeof Bat GroupQuestion 6: Consultation process.We find this consultation clear and useful and we look forward to the revised Preferred Option Document.3.1 Lesser horseshoe bats at Northern United1. I was originally involved in the design of the new bat roost at this site, over 5 years ago, as it was known that the existing colliery buildings contained a breedingroost of Lesser horseshoe (LH) bats, a species which is "endangered" throughout its European range. (ref: Stebbings, R.E. "The Conservation of European Bats"1988). The Government Office SW wanted to create an alternative roost for them to allow future Development of the Northern United site.2. I was not involved with the selection of the site for the new roost building but understood it was to be sited within nearby woodland where it would not bedirectly affected by the future development.3. I have assisted in carrying out some bat exit counts at the site and am given to understand that the majority of the LH bats now use the new roost, rather that theold colliery buildings. We are not currently aware of "fly routes" used by bats, their feeding areas, the hibernation sites the majority use or the location of anylikely nearby (within 2km) secondary roosts.4. My understanding is that the colony size has also increased and now well surpasses the threshold limit for Notification as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),although Natural England (NE) have not yet Notified it.5. The Forest of Dean and Lower Wye Valley is an important stronghold for LH bats, not only locally in Gloucestershire, or British terms, but in a European context.Existing breeding roosts and hibernacula for both LH bats and the larger Greater horseshoe bats form part of the Lower Wye Bat Special Area of Conservation(SAC) under European legislation. This protects not only the roosts themselves, but also feeding habitats, 'fly routes' and secondary roosts remote from SSSI's onwhich the bats rely.6. Although the LH colony at Northern United is not yet a SSSI, for the above reasons I feel it should be treated as if it already is, and is also already a part of theSAC. This means that in consideration of any Development Plans for the area, it must be treated with due consideration and any effects likely from theDevelopment must be properly mitigated. Such mitigation can only be proposed and agreed, e.g. by Natural England, when it is based on appropriate and robustresearch.7. It would appear the road proposals have changed significantly since the site for the artificial bat roost was first selected. It appears to me that there can be nodoubt that the current and projected future proposals will affect the bats and that appropriate mitigation will be needed to help reduce the impact of theDevelopment. The block of woodland containing the roost is now proposed to be "ringed" by roads, with a new road junction, which is bound to require streetlighting, quite close to the roost.8. I am disappointed to note that there does not seem to be any mention of this important bat roost or a commitment to its on-going maintenance in the AAP; noappropriate route finding surveys have been proposed, commissioned or carried out and there is no detailed proposed mitigation or indeed any currentcommitment to mitigation.9. As a minimum, since bats will have to cross the new roads, I suggest underpass culverts, possibly with associated hedge planting, or perhaps "green bridge(s)" forthem are likely to be needed. Creation of additional secondary roosts within future buildings should also be considered as the existing colliery buildings are likelyto be demolished or will fall into worse repair. Careful selection of street lighting and screening will be also be necessary. Mature tree planting is likely to beneeded to help off-set trees to be felled and scrub which will need to be cleared for the new wider roads and footpaths.10. Following the meeting on 28th February, I understand the FoDDC intends to rectify the omissions noted in Item 8, above and make a commitment to carry outthe necessary surveys and mitigation. I do feel however that their timetable may make the practicalities of incorporating the required mitigation details arisingfrom surveys into the final document very difficult as the necessary bat surveys can only be carried out in the Summer months and will need to extend intoSeptember; this is an important period when many bats may be seeking winter hibernation roosts and perhaps using different flight routes from those used atother times during the Summer.11. Without the necessary safeguards being properly considered and detailed, it is likely that because of the importance of the LH bat colony, NE will have no optionbut to object to the proposed AAP Development and to any subsequent Planning Submissions which may follow on from it. It is clearly in everyone's interests,(including those of the bats!) that all these issues are properly and comprehensively dealt with at this stage.NotedVarious updates to the AAP have beenincorporated:The AAP states that the future development ofthe detailed landscape and biodiversity strategywill need to respond seasonal data relating tothe behavioural patterns of this species todeliver the following principles:• Minimising light spill, recreationaldisturbance and constructiondisturbance upon the roost andassociated flight lines;• Maintaining access to feeding groundsand suitable connectivity via bat flightroutes to these locations;• Providing suitable means of crossingproposed infrastructure to maintainflight routes4. Mr BrianPhillips,representativeIn summary, I feel I have no option other than to object to the AAP as it is now presented. I would be grateful for an opportunity to view any further Drafts of the documentand to review the Final Submission in October when I trust the above will have been taken into consideration and I will be in a position to withdraw this objection.4.1 Lesser horseshoe bats at Northern UnitedMy reponse to this consultation is in relation to the nationally important colony of lesser horseshoe bats present at Nothern United. Given that the colony is now largely presentSee response to 3.1 above

Organisation ID Comment Responseof Bat Group5.GloucestershireCollege6. EnglishHeritage7. NaturalEnglandin the new bat house, the new road proposals need to take the location of this building into account. Unfortunately, the preferred route from a wildlife point of view - the roadparallel to Steam Mills Road heading towards the existing Nailbridge junction - is no longer presented as an option, so I will restrict comments to the two alternatives currentlyunder consideration. In the original option, the new spine road would result in the bat house having major roads to the North and East and minor roads to the South and West,with the spine road bisecting the woodland foraging area and cutting across potential flight lines which the bats may use on leaving the bat house. In the new preferred option,instead of having heavy traffic on two sides, the bat house now has it on three sides to the North, South and West, with the possibility of having the spine road added later,which would leave the bats unable to leave the roost in any direction without crossing a main road. Lesser horseshoes are know to be very susceptible to collision with trafficbecause of their low and relatively slow flight, so this is an area of concern. Also, the new proposal would involve additional lights at the junction of Northern United with theA4136, and possibly some lighting along the road. Again, current research demonstrates that lesser horseshoes are adversely affected by artificial lighting, and will take steps toavoid it where possible. Where light levels have been increased, the bats may delay their emergence, which means losing some of the best feeding time at dusk and may, in somecircumstances, lead to increased mortality of baby bats because their mothers are unable to find sufficient food. The bat house exit slot points towards the new junction, andtherefore it would be necessary to shield any lights such that they do not increase the light levels visible to the bats prior to emergence. At present, the bats' flight routes onleaving the bat house are unknown. This makes it impossible to make definite suggestions regarding mitigation strategy if the new route is adopted. It will be necessary toundertake extensive survey work to establish where the bats are commuting and where their foraging areas are. This needs to start as soon as possible after the bats emergefrom hibernation and continue throughout the Summer, when they should be foraging relatively close to the roost, and into the September/October swarming season when theyare likely to be commuting from the site towards the local mines in order to mate. If this information can be obtained, informed decisions can then be made regarding the exactalignment of the road, and any crossing points required for the bats, as well as suggesting areas where it might be possible to install additional roosts. As I have to respond beforethis information is obtained, my feeling is that any major road would be best located as far from the bat house as possible, and destroying as little woodland edge as possible. Forthis reason, I would prefer the road to be routed South of the bungalow and scrapyard, following roughly the line of the existing road there. This would allow the bats to use thewoodland edge for feeding and commuting and, with the road dipping down at this point, may also make it easier to provide crossing points for the bats, keeping them above thelevel of most vehicles. Where the road passes by the colliery, some dense vegetation at the roadside is bound to be lost as the road is widened, and bats have been observedfeeding within this area. Replanting this edge to re-establish this lost vegetation may be necessary in order to preserve this feeding opportunity and to maintain the necessarydarkness within the wood near the bat house. The potential risk to the lesser horseshoe colony from the road proposal is clear, and significant mitigation will be needed to avoidendangering this rare species.5.1 Revised road alignmentThe new route is supported by the College as it still meets the original objectives of "unlocking" this area and providing the necessary permeability. By utilising the existing tracksand routes it will hopefully have a reduced environmental impact and development cost but still deliver the anticipated traffic reduction on the Nailbridge junction.5.2 Proposed educational facility locationThe revised location is supported by the College. It is a minor amendment but critically provides additional benefit as an education location. The revised site would provide"destination attractiveness" for students and thereby assist in the wider regeneration ambition of long term improvement of the skill sets available to Forest employers whilst alsoreducing the need for outward travel and migration of young people seeking training opportunities.6.1 GeneralI can confirm that English Heritage do not wish to make any representations on this interim consultation. Many thanks for sending the consultation through and I would begrateful if you could keep me up to date with the AAP as its goes forward7.1 GeneralUnless specifically referred to in this letter, it shall be assumed that Natural England’s previous comments on the AAP, dated 4th December 2009 still stand.NotedNotedNotedNoted, see schedule of responses to PreferredOptions consultation.7.2 Location of Education and Skills Facility and associated usesThe new location of the building and its associated uses, most specifically the car park, have the distinct advantage of removing any proposals from the flood plain east of OldEngine Brook. However, as detailed in our response to the Preferred Option consultation 2009, Natural England is concerned that there is a lack of survey data overall, suchthat we cannot specifically recommend or reject any amendment that would have serious implications for populations of protected species, such as reptiles (all uk species) orGreat Crested Newts, all of which are known to inhabit the site, without the previously requested detailed survey data.Noted

Organisation ID Comment Response7.3 Spine Road Alignment and BatsAs discussed in detail at the site meeting held on the 28th February 2011, the primary factor of concern regarding the proposed amendments is the likely effect on the LesserHorseshoe Bat (LHB) colony that inhabit the Northern United site and associated dedicated Bat House, built as a mitigation measure.It is clear even from the initial sustainability commentary that the proposed revised alignment has a considerably higher risk of negatively impacting on the LHB colony,particularly in their new accommodation. In summary, the route would isolate the bats from foraging habitats to the West and South, with the A4136 already limiting access tothe North. Should the original Spine Road also be developed at a later date, as proposed, the colony would be unable to leave the roost in any direction. Free of any otherconsideration, Natural England would have no choice but to object categorically and in the strongest terms to the proposed revision.Unfortunately, it has been made clear that the originally preferred option for the route of the spine road is no longer financially sustainable, and though all three “legs” of thesustainability “stool” are of equal merit and import, financial sustainability is the actuator which makes a project viable.What is slightly less clear is why only the route proposed is being considered as a viable alternative to the Preferred Option route. This was raised at the site meeting, as twoalternatives were offered by attendees (one of which can be discounted as it was considered in the very early stages of the development proposals and was ruled out onengineering grounds). Natural England would wish to see a full comparative assessment of Brian Phillips’ proposed route, to the south of the vehicle yard and residential buildings,which would have several advantages regarding the bats, and little or no disadvantage for other factors, against the current proposal.Despite the obvious problem with the proposed route, the site meeting was a positive one, and Natural England has concluded that there is a way forward for the developmentof the AAP. In order for the Forest of Dean to avoid Natural England objecting to the proposed revision the following points must be accepted and adopted. Any and all further stages of the AAP and subsequent detailed planning applications will be required to be based on the findings of an intensive survey of the numbers andhabits of the colony of LHBs. The survey required will need to be exhaustive, given the inherent problems of surveying the subject species. This will require large numbers of individual recorders, staticanabats, transects, and possibly radio tracking. It will also need to be undertaken through the full survey season, from the spring/summer into October, so that it might bepossible to determine the direction of the colony’s winter roost. Natural England would advise that the full design of the survey be reviewed and approved by the relevant experts (John and Tess Knight, David Priddis, Brian Phillips) andNatural England before being implemented. Given the proposed schedule of development planning, the survey would be required to take place this year. There are inherent difficulties in attempting to achieve asuccessful survey in such a short time frame, and Natural England must emphasise that should the survey fail to achieve its stated objective, we will have little option but toobject to the continuation of the proposed development. The objective of this survey is to produce enough viable data to enable mitigation recommendations that might be reasonably expected to not only protect the colony butimprove its integrity.Many mitigation measures were discussed at the meeting, such as culverts and green bridges to provide access across roads, specific lighting design, lux levels and screeningoptions. It is possible to effectively mitigate for significant amounts of development.However, the colony that exists on this site is a feature outside of, but necessary to, the Forest of Dean Bat SAC and as such will require the proposals to undergo AppropriateAssessment under the Habitat Regulations. The colony also appears to have grown in numbers to such a degree that it might be considered notifiable as a Site of Special ScientificInterest. it is therefore important for the Planning Authority to understand that, if the survey were successful, but the findings continued to show, despite the employment of allpossible mitigation measures, the likelihood of negative impacts on the colony, Natural England would again be required to object to the proposed development.The AAP retains the necessary flexibility toaccommodate alternative alignment (AAPPolicy 15), depending on the findings offorthcoming ecological surveys.This survey will be carried out in due course,as described in AAP Policy 10 and 15.Where significant effects are considered likelyto occur, the need for an appropriateassessment will be triggered in accordance withthe 2010 Regulations to ensure no adverseeffect on the integrity of the European site.In addition see comment 3.1 above.8.GloucestershireCounty Council7.4 GeneralThe advice given by Natural England in this letter is made for the purpose of the present consultation only. In accordance with Section 4 of the Natural Environment and RuralCommunities Act 2006, Natural England expects to be included as a consultee in relation to any additional matters to be determined during the Area Action Planning process.Natural England retains its statutory discretion to modify its present advice or opinion in view of any and all such additional matters or any additional information related to thisconsultation that may come to our attention.8.1 Archaeological CommentsBoth the spine road, and the education and skills facility, are located in an area of industrial archaeological sites and surviving structures. It is difficult to assess the likely impact ofthese proposals in view of the small scale of the maps provided with the consultation. The impact of these proposals on the historic environment of the area will need to beassessed in more detail before the locations are finalised. Useful details of the archaeological remains in the area, with an assessment of their sigificance, can be found inNotedAs noted in AAP Policy 12, no alterations areproposed for any buildings identified as being ofhistorical interest apart from the HaywoodEngine Works. Any development that could

Organisation ID Comment Response‘Cinderford Northern Quarter, Heritage and Archaeological Assessement’ (J Hoyle, Gloucestershire County Council, 2009), commissioned by the District Council.8.2 Minerals and Waste CommentsWe do not have any comments to make on this consultation. However we would like to note that previous comments on the AAP are still relevant.affect a site with potential archaeological valuewill involve full archaeological mitigation inadvance of any development involving groundworks.Noted, see schedule of responses to PreferredOptions consultation.

Organisation ID Comment Response8.3 Transport Comments - New Road Alignment:Regarding the proposed new road alignment and the proposed junction at the Northern United site, a roundabout should be tested as a preferred option. This would avoidhaving 3 signalised junctions on the A4136. The junction needs to be designed carefully as it can be expected that there will be a high proportion of young inexperienced driversfrom the college.Noted – see AAP Policy 15 and preceding textTransport Comments – Parking and other movement issuesCollege Car Parking accessed via a new junction of Boradmoor Rd:Careful consideration also needs to be given to the car parking at the college site. While more sustainable transport should form a major part of the development of the area,the reality is that students are going to have to travel a fair distance by the very nature of the location of the proposed college. We will require a portion of any s106 moneytowards Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) for any waiting restrictions to ensure that the car park is used and on-street parking is kept manageable.Further analysis will be needed to confirm the impact of the proposed revision on the operation of the junctions on Broadmoor Road. In particular, the impact of the revisionupon the Spine Road / Broadmoor Road junction, as the change will result in more traffic passing through this junction. Under the previous proposal, only the traffic accessingthe College from the South would pass through this junction, but under this layout all College traffic will pass through. In the morning peak, when traffic levels will be intensified,the right turn movement from Spine Road to Broadmoor Road will be increased, and this could have a significant impact on the capacity of the junction, especially as the two laneapproach to the junction from the North is relatively short.With pedestrian access to the College still being from the Spine Road, implying that the College will face onto the Spine Road, it must be assumed that, in the morning peak, carswill be stopping on the Spine Road to drop passengers off. If no off road facility is provided for drop off / pick up movements, it is likely that cars doing this will further restrictcapacity on the Spine Road on this approach to the junction, exacerbating the potential for congestion. The design of the College, access arrangements (vehicles andpedestrians), and car parking should seek to address these issues.To provide more detailed comments additional material would be needed, such as: Assignment of college traffic; Distribution of college traffic; Existing turning count at the junction; and LINSIG modelling of the existing junction, with and without proposed development for base year and agreed horizon year.Walking and cycling linkages:It will be important to provide good pedestrian linkages between Steam mills road and the college.Pedestrian and cycle linkages between the site and Cinderford town centre are vital and an audit of these routes should be undertaken to identify any barriers to the continuityof these routes.Noted – see AAP Policies 15 / 19 andpreceding textNoted – see AAP Policies 16 / 17 andpreceding textPublic transport provision:It should be considered to reposition the bus stops near Broadmore Road junction to the south of the junction so that all services can use them. It would be useful tounderstand if there are any time penalties involved as a result of diverting bus services through the site. It would be helpful to have a comparison between current and proposedjourney times for buses between selected points on the local road network. Should the College relocate to the Northern Quarter, it is likely that a network of bus routes couldbe formed by integrating current local bus services and closed contracts commissioned by CYPD. This would have significant benefits for Cinderford and therefore the routestaken should not bee too prescriptive. The modal share of the proposed development needs to be made clear. This will be particularly relevant where there are relativelyconcentrated movements in terms of both time and origin/destination.Cinderford “Bridge junction”:The impacts of the northern Quarter development on “Cinderford Bridge” junction also need to be considered as it is likely that the development of the Northern Quarter willincrease traffic impacts on this junction.Noted – see AAP Policy 18 and preceding textNoted – see AAP Policy 15 and preceding textOther issues:GCC made detailed comments on the Cinderford Northern Quarter Transport Strategy in December 2010/January 2011 which should be considered. Concern was also raisedabout the extra traffic past Steam Mills Primary School.Noted – see AAP Policies 15 / 16 andpreceding textSome of the lanes shown on the plans look like Forestry Commission tracks – shown as ‘Tertiary – Lanes’. These are not therefore public highway and thus are slightlymisleading as they have no relevance to the proposals and should not be opened.Consideration should also be given to closing off any minor roads that could be used as rat runs such as Speculation Rd / Whimsey Rd.

Organisation ID Comment Response8.4 Ecology CommentsQuestion 1It is claimed that the new proposed road layout of the preferred option will have reduced ecological impacts. If this is true then I can support the alteration if this means reducedmitigation is needed and more biodiversity is conserved and enhanced.Question 2No further observationsQuestion 3This revision with educational development rather than housing nearest the lake makes more sense in terms of integration with, protection and use of the surrounding naturalenvironment.Question 4Siting is the most important issue – see reason at Question 3.Questions 5 & 6No observationsNoted, see Policy 10 and Policy 26NotedNotedNotedNoted8.5 Flood Risk ManagementThe Environment Agency (EA) has been consulted directly by the District Council at various stages of plan formulation, however the Flood Risk Management Team at GCC hasnot previously been consulted. The level of input by the EA is not known, as the consultation responses and previous consultation documents are not available online. Therefore,we are not aware if and/or how much flooding from ordinary watercourses, surface water and groundwater has been taken into account during the formation of the document.It is expected that these issues will be addressed at the planning stage, if they have not been taken into account previously.Purely on the basis of the current consultation document, the relocation of the education centre and the re-alignment of the spine road do not appear to have an adverse impacton flooding in the area or are being moved to areas at more risk of flooding than proposed previously. This response has been made on the basis of the SFRA documents, andtherefore does not consider surface water or groundwater. However, locally agreed surface water information will be available soon, as this is being completed in associationwith the FODDC in relation to the completion of Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, which is being written by GCC with help from other stakeholders. The EA has alsorecently released maps on their GeoStore data information service which shows information collected on areas susceptible to groundwater flooding. Finally, SUDS will haveimplemented for all new developments in the future.9. Maurice Bent 9.1 Spine Road and impact on Northern United siteI write with great concern about the proposed re direction of the Cinderford byepass to the side of Northern site. My concern is that of the Northern buildings which would beracked by heavy traffic, when we are trying to save the Northern site for heritage. The original site would be not so expensive seeing it would be a shorter length and would notcome out into a bend in the road. I am a passed member of the Cinderford regeneration team and fought to save our heritage at Northern.10. NHSGloucestershire10.1 Land useThe provision of a Renal Dialysis Satellite Centre located within Cinderford has been agreed in collaboration with NHS Gloucestershire commissioners to provide additionalcapacity for future growth and is in accordance with the Government agenda for delivering care services closer to home. The service provision forms an integral part of thewider clinical strategy for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and following extensive negotiations and option appraisal, a facility has been selected in Cinderford atForest Vale Industrial Estate, New Town Road. The service provision benefits from being accommodated within the proposed Cinderford Area Action Plan and long termNoted, see EA comments above [ID #2] and inPreferred Options consultation schedule[ID#12]See Further Consultation report (para 2.8 to2.10) for overview of reasons for selection ofalternative route.As described in AAP Policy 6, theredevelopment of Northern United will besensitive to the landscape setting and to themining history of Northern United. Furtherdetails regarding the protection of historicalassets are provided in AAP Policy 12 and thiswill be reviewed further at the detailedplanning stage.Noted – no alteration required

Organisation ID Comment Response11. ForestryCommission12. ForestArtist Networkregeneration of the Forest of Dean Northern Quarter. The facility is anticipated to be operational from April 2012.11.1 Spine roadNotedAs you know the Commission supports the AAP proposals. As you know, the highway route through Hawkwell enclosure to the A4136 satisfied the constraints of the ForestryAct 1981. We also did not see any problems with the link between the main development area and Northern. Under the new proposals this is still acceptable provided theroutes are as shown. If there are however any changes proposed to "straighten" the road alignment please let me know. Otherwise I have no comments.12.1 Road layoutWe strongly prefer the new route.1. The new road should NOT be developed as new main access route into Cinderford / Industrial Estate.2. It should be a secondary route mainly for access to the new development. This is important so that the tranquillity of the forest to the northwest and of the new developmentis preserved as far as possible.3. The Gloucestershire Way is not marked on the new plans and its alignment and crossing of the new road will need to be addressed.Work on the Business Plan and Masterplanconsidered a number of alignment options. Asset out in the AAP (Policy 15), the main northsouth connection should be in the form of anew spine road between the A4136 in thevicinity of the existing Northern Unitedjunction and Broadmoor Road. This new routewill take over the primary access function forCinderford from Steam Mills Road, which thencan become downgraded. The AAP sets thevision for the route as a tree lined avenue witha single carriageway and also identifies theparameters for a sensitive and integratedapproach to landscape design and biodiversity /habitat mitigation. Gloucestershire Way hasbeen added to relevant plans.12.2 Land usesWe prefer the new proposal. The educational facility should be given a high quality site. If the boundary of the education site were taken to the edge of the water, it would helpto ensure that the immediate environs of the lake were cared for.12.3 Whatever your views on the new location, what do you consider important about the proposed education use? (Siting (eg close to lake in an attractive part of thenorthern quarter)? Easy access (on what will be a main bus route)? Appearance? Use of local materials? Energy rating (low running costs and use of sustainable materials and constructiontechniques)? Anything else?)NotedNotedWe consider all the above to be important in the need to set an example of high quality sustainable building in the FoD area. High quality surroundings help to students to pickup that they are valued. This is important for students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Good design carries a subliminal but important educational message.12.4 Car parkingThe provision of car parking is very strange and inappropriately sited on the new plan, encroaching as it does on wetland/water areas. We propose that car parking should beunder the education and hotel areas and possibly beside the sports facility. We note that the education zone occupies sloping ground - this could be used to accommodate alower car parking level.Noted - detailed design will confirm thedistribution of car parking for the educationalfacility.The identified car park is located in an areapreviously excavated for clay for thebrickworks and does not encroach on anyareas of restored wetland to the east, or onthe Steam Mills lake to the west.12.5 Self-build housingLand should be set aside for a self-build housing project.12.6 FloodingPotential flooding problems remain a worry.The AAP does not preclude a proportion ofresidential development from coming forwardin this way.See response to EA above (ID#2)

Organisation ID Comment Response12.7 WaterThere is potential for a creative approach with the water in and around the site.12.8 Design qualityConcern that financing problems should not be a cause of a general reduction of quality. In this situation less may be more.12.9 ForestryDoes the Forestry Commission have any felling plans for the northwest woodland? If so could they be stopped?12.10 Linear ParkGood linkages are needed through to the Linear Park.12.11 IndustryConcern that the main part of the site be protected from noise and/or despoiling views of the industry in the northwest corner.12.12 ResourceWorking creatively with the Forestry Commission, the woodland in the Northern part of the site has potential as a community, educational and recreational resource.NotedNotedBeyond the scope of the AAP to advise on thisThe existing access routes will be maintainedand proposals seeks to enhance theconnectivity through the whole AAP areaVisually, the Northern United site will bescreened by existing trees which will not beremoved. The proposed light industrial use ofthe site is unlikely to generate noisedisturbance, however noise aspects will beconsidered and resolved at the detailedplanning stage.Noted12.13 Office spaceConcern that the hotel should not be too surrounded by office space?13. Alan Powell 13.1 RoadI prefer the new route as it seems this would have marginally less impact on existing woodland13.2 Road optionsNeither option is good, as both represent significant urbanisation of what is currently a rural and largely wooded area. There's too much emphasis being placed on access - theproposal looks as if it's awash with roads. Access to the Northern United site is already exceptionally good, arguably amongst the best in the Forest, and yet that site has beenunoccupied for years - what does that tell you? I understand that access from the south is to be improved, with a new junction where the Bridge Inn currently stands. In myopinion that is sufficient and the benefit that new access routes from the north would provide do not justify the loss of woodland. Improve access from the south. Forget theNorthern access route completely. Develop the Northern United site as a stand alone site.The indicative land use plan is consideredappropriate. There is flexibility in relation tothe exact disposition of uses which would beresolved through the preparation of detaileddesign and planning applications within theoverall framework set by the AAP.NotedNoted - see movement policies and supportingtext in chapter 6 of AAP and supportingstudies. Development of Northern United inisolation would not meet the Council’sobjectives for the site and would be far lesssustainable as a destination.13.3 The most important consideration to me is that any developement should have the least possible impact on the rural nature of the area. Assuming there is actucally the need fora brand new educational facility (and I'm not convinced there is) the Northern United site would be an absolutely perfect 'stand alone' site for this kind of development.Noted – see detailed criteria and policies onlandscape, biodiversity and habitats13.4 The Northern United site has been empty for years. There's already a problem finding tennants for the existing units on the industrial estate and no guarentee that the newindustrial units will be let; worse still, the Northern United site could remain unoccupied. Why not use the Northern United site for a stand alone education faciility; no need fora northern road and guaranteed occupancy for the site.The AAP provides a flexible framework for thedevelopment of the Northern Quarter.Creation of a mixed quarter is essential tocreate a place which can be successful in thelong-term. The educational site is locatedcentrally to the plan to form a communityfocus for the Northern Quarter.13.5 The key on the maps are unreadable. I tried opening the 'accessible' version of the document, but that was no better. Noted – AAP contains legible plans and keys14. Bob Morgan 14.1 GeneralThis current plan is an improvement on previous plans and is quite workable it should be adoptedNoted

Organisation ID Comment ResponseIt should be understood that all of the plans put forward to date have looked ok to the average person, we are not experts in this field that said this plan looks fine14.2 This road in the first instance must support the forest vale industrial est with a proper access, the fact that it opens up land for other uses is a bonus, it will of course improvetraffic issues which are also very important. the chance of a new education facility will fit in well but industrial and houses are like oil and water and this has been proved all tooften in the past so the further away the houses the better14.3 It should be built with local brick by local craftsmen, what could be more appropriate than using material that come from the ground where it is to be built. The cost of this newfacility will be very much a concern to locals given pending government cuts. this is a golden opportunity to show value for money cheap does not have to be tacky!! As fordesign get the kids at our surrounding schools and colleges involved, fresh minds fresh idea's14.4 This area has worked enough. you now have a good plan adopt it and please get on with it NotedSee policy 15 and supporting text for overviewof roadNoted – see policy 5 and policy 415. Averil Kear,Forest of DeanLocal HistorySociety15.1 The Forest of Dean Local History Society have serious concerns over the new siting of the link road in Cinderford. We believe that the very close proximity to the NorthernUnited site could be detrimental to the foundations of the buildings adjacent to the proposed new road. These would include the office buildings and the pithead baths.Our Society were happy with the planned proposals to utilise the buildings at Northern United for light industrial use whilst retaining the integrity of the last complete set ofmining buildings in the Forest of Dean but feel that the primary road through Cinderford would be better placed according to the original plan. It also seems to us that the visionof entering Cinderford through a green corridor would be compromised by placing the road next to an industrial area.As described in AAP Policy 6, theredevelopment of Northern United will besensitive to the landscape setting and to themining history of Northern United. Furtherdetails regarding the protection of historicalassets are provided in AAP Policy 12 and thiswill be reviewed further at the detailedplanning stage.15.2 Our other concern regarding the site at Northern is that even though a bat hotel was erected some years ago, bats can still be found within the existing buildings and thesewould inevitably be disturbed by the presence of a main road next to the buildings.See 3.1, 4.1 and 7.315.3 In 2003 the buildings at the Northern United site were recognised as being special in a survey commissioned by SWRDA. In the conclusion of their report the architects FieldenClegg Bradley stated:‘While the sites do not represent large collections of listed buildings they nonetheless embody an important part of the fabric of life in the Forest to which the existingcommunity attaches great significance. Such social, cultural and historical significance is not easy to quantify but it deserves to be considered very carefully alongside the economicfactors which may also inform the future management of these sites.’The Forest of Dean Local History Society therefore believe that great care should be taken to recognise the importance of the Northern United site and that the new primaryroad should be sited according to the options in the original master plan.Policy 12 provides a suitable framework forassessing applications with reference to historiccontext, value and significance, Subsequentreport by English Heritage (February 2011)confirms that Northern United buildings arenot worthy of listing.16. MalvernHills DistrictCouncil16.1 We welcome and encourage the need to work closely with neighbouring communities and local planning authorities to help facilitate sustainable development and promotehealthy and prosperous communities.Due to the nature of these two Area Action Plans we have not found there to be any specific cross boundary issues between Malvern Hills District and the Forest of Deancontained within these APPs. However we do recognise these APPs should be read in the context of the emerging Cores Strategy and the spatial issues contained with saidDPD.Overall we support the methodology Forest of Dean has applied to both consultation papers and the approach taken to consult neighbouring authorities.Noted17. The CoalAuthorityWe look forward to continuing an open dialogue with the Forest of Dean on future strategic planning issues and wish you all the best in your forthcoming Examination in Public.17.1 Having reviewed your document, we have no comments to make specifically on the further consultation changes which only address a number of limited subjects. The commentswe have made previously in October 2009 regarding coal resources and mining legacy of course still apply. We trust that these issues will be within the scope of other changesyou indicate that you will be making to the forthcoming publication version of the AAP.Noted – see responses in preferred optionscomments table (ID#9)

Cinderford Northern Quarter Masterplan and Area Action Plan | Consultation Statement | April 201151

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