AN OPPONENT of plans for 100 houses in Tutshill has called on Gloucestershire County Council to sell part of the site, which used to belong to his father, back to him.

Mr Tim Blandford says 1.65 acres of land near Gloucester Road was bought from his father in 1974 because it was earmarked for a new primary school and was under threat of compulsory purchase.

Mr Blandford says he wants the council to use the ‘Crichel Down rules’ which under certain circumstances allows land to be sold back, at current market prices, to the owner or their successors.

A public inquiry is currently underway into proposals by Gladman Developments to build on the land.

Mr Blandford said: “This school has not been built, but I understand that the land is under contract to the appellant.

“I have already requested the Crichel Down ruling to be implemented where the land is offered back to the original owner or their successors at the current market price. However, Gloucestershire County Council refuses to implement this ruling.

“This understandably leads me to have considerable concern at their actions and I would note they have filed no objections to the proposed development.”

The inquiry, being held at the Forest of Dean District Council offices in Coleford, is expected to finish on Friday (August 28).

Campaign group Tutshill and Tidenham Action (TTAG) has expressed concerns that the appeal is being heard on the basis of revised plans submitted in June.

In just two weeks, the group secured more than 100 responses of objections against the plan on land off Gloucester Road.

Spokesperson for TTAG, Nick Evans said: “We’re very pleased we managed to secure more than 100 responses given the short amount of time allowed for the consultation.”

The inquiry considered the impact of the landscape surrounding the proposed development as well as the impact on nearby listed buildings and on schools and health facilities.

Mr Evans said: “The appeal is proceeding well, but there is a lot of material to get through. An inspector has visited the site, and drove around the area to see the traffic problems that the development would exacerbate.”