AN APPEAL to allow 17 homes to be built in Pike Lane field, Nailsworth has today been given permission to go ahead by a planning inspectorate.

Newland Homes’ development application, which includes affordable housing, was originally thrown out by Stroud District Council (SDC) in January but the builders then appealed their decision.

Nailsworth town councillor Norman Kay, who fought hard to oppose the unpopular development, said: “The Save Nailsworth Valley Group put together a detailed case against development and the town council engaged the services of a planning consultant to argue their case.

“It will be a bitter disappointment to local people and leaves the valley with no protection against further development.

“The whole character of Nailsworth will be altered for the worse by this incomprehensible decision.

“Even though the district council had identified no need for housing development in Nailsworth the government appointed inspector dwelt on the new Local Plan's allowance of up to 750 windfall homes anywhere in the District and included this application among that number.

“Nowhere is safe therefore from developers.

“It is a bad day for the people of Nailsworth, and for democracy."

Cllr Kay has said that he will be approaching SDC planners later today in order to look into the possibilities of overruling the inspector's decision.

The SNJ is yet to hear from Newland Homes on its reaction to the news.