SOME 350,000 wretched birds to be kept in eight newly-erected broiler units is being proposed by the owner of Clearwell Farm. 

The prospect of obnoxious, gut wrenching, smells  from the poor birds in the broiler units and the  retention of their waste and dead birds waiting to be moved  is not what any resident or business owner  in the area would want.

The continuous threat of a pervading, lingering smell in the valley of Clearwell will discourage people wanting to buy or rent homes. 

Tourists will not want to visit Puzzlewood or to eat or stay in any of the hotels or book Clearwell Castle for their wedding. Parents may decide not to place their children at the local school. 

The impact of this proposal could be devastating on the local  economy, except, of course, for the owner of Clearwell Farm!

Like the proposed Stowe quarry extension the increased HGV traffic on our narrow roads from the planning application  will impact detrimentally on our health and safety together with increased wear and tear on our roads which  we as taxpayers  pay for. 

The local Parish Council is to meet on July 28 at the Redbrook Village Hall to discuss how it will respond to the planning application. Please attend the meeting and  let your views be known.

Do not delay in submitting your views and objections to the Forest Of Dean District Council (planning application  reference number PO711/15/ FUL). Full details of the application can be found on the council's web site.

– Susan Hamilton Smith, Clearwell.