26th July 2008

John Marjoram has expressed concerns about how Stroud District Council handled the contentious Fromehall Park rugby ground planning appeal.

Opponents of the scheme, including councillors and action group members, are furious that the council appears to have pulled the rug from under their feet at the hearing by settling its differences with applicants Sportoptima.

It was at the last minute the council team agreed to a new access to the site off Dudbridge Hill, which has the potential for around 100 new homes. The council side also approved Sportoptima's offer of a synthetic multi-use games area on the site to make up for the loss of a protected playing field if the scheme was allowed.

Cllr John Marjoram, who was a member of the district council's development control committee that originally refused the rugby club plan said: “The issue clearly is who authorised them to change tack at the beginning of the inquiry? I will be seeking answers."

Philip Booth, a Green District councillor added: "This move by the District is certainly a surprise and it also appears that the proposed games area is not an adequate replacement for the existing sports facility."