RESIDENTS protesting against a major housing development off Onslow Road have ruled out calling a parish poll.
The idea of a vote followed a similar exercise in Ledbury before Christmas on the planned redevelopment of the Leadon Bank old people's home.
Over 10 per cent of the electorate voted, overwhelmingly against the scheme, but it made no difference to the decision on planning permission. The exercise cost Ledbury Town Council more than £3,000.
Keith Urch, leader of Apple-down Residents' Committee, has held talks with Forest of Dean District Council about formally demanding a poll.
He said the feeling was that the council would be forced to listen to voters. But it has emerged that the outcome is not legally binding on councils, as the Ledbury result shows.
A poll also has limited value as a formal planning objection.
Mr Urch added: "Not wishing to burden the local taxpayer with a further increase in parish and district tax, it would appear sensible not to pursue the idea."
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