Ecotricity have responded to the first round of consultation - particularly in relation to pedestrians and traffic.

They propose a footbridge across the A419 and traffic lights at the head of the motorway slip road in addition to the dual carriageway to Chipmans Platt roundabout.  So far we have seen nothing that attempts to manage the increased traffic flow along the A419 towards Stroud.

Ecotricity’s own traffic consultant admits that the A419 will reach saturation in the peak hours with WoS,  and this statement assumes 400 of WoS commuters commuting to Stonehouse and not accessing the A419.

 If, like me, you have seen the growing queues on Junction 13 in the morning recently, we have to wonder about the threat to businesses, jobs and residents alike if this is allowed to get worse.

County Highways have said that (expensive) remodelling of the roundabouts on A419 would help to ensure that journey times were not increased (!)  - But this only relates to the A419 stretch to Ebley bypass,  ignoring the effect on all the surrounding areas.

This planning application is the first major challenge to the Local Plan. Will our Councillors reject it on the grounds that it is not in the Plan, and has absolutely no place there?  And will any subsequent appeals be treated similarly?

Recently Neil Carmichael, our MP, wrote to the Chief Planning Inspector urging her to ensure that all Inspectors paid due attention to the Local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plans when making their decisions. We can only hope that Development Control Committee will wish to adhere to their own Local Plan so recently adopted.

 Daniel James