BATTLE lines are being drawn over renewed interest in building houses in the Slad Valley, a landscape beloved by county poet and author Laurie Lee.

Stroud District and Gloucestershire county councillor Sarah Lunnon (Green) said the feedback received so far shows residents were furious about the possibility of Barratt's erecting possibly 40 homes at Wade's Farm in Stroud. The area is at the start of the Slad Valley.

"People are really angry because the Slad Valley is iconic," Mrs Lunnon said.

"I think it is going to be a really difficult one.

"I think the feeling of people is that the planning process now takes no notice of their objections. It always feels like a done job."

The roughly four hectare Wade's Farm is at the top the Peghouse Estate, on the slope down to the beginning of the Slad valley.

Originally earmarked for perhaps 50 dwellings when the land was appraised in 1997, at the start of the last Stroud District Council Local Plan process, it was agreed as suitable by a local plans' inspector.

But then Wade's Farm withdrawn from consideration, as sufficient housing land was available in the Stroud area without it.

Now, however, its sustainable suitability is under the microscope again as Barratt Homes, Bristol, are interested in developing the green fields.

The company had planned a public consultation and exhibition about their ideas at the Stroud Subscription Rooms today.

That session has been cancelled as a mark of respect following the sudden death of Councillor Linda Townley, in whose ward Wade's Farm lay.

A Barratt's spokeswoman said it was now hoped to reschedule the public consultation for early 2011.

"This will be widely publicised once a date is confirmed," she said.

Writer of the best selling autobiography Cider with Rosie, Laurie Lee grew up in Slad and wrote poetically and descriptively of the valley's lush Cotswold countryside.

Mr Lee, who died aged 82 in 1997, so immortalised the Slad valley that is has become a magnet for tourists from around the world.

They still regularly turn up to see his grave at Slad Church and to visit The Woolpack, his local pub, in Slad.

Head of Stroud planning Phil Skill said it was early days as yet but he confirmed the authority was in discussions with Barratt's about Wade's Farm.