A PLANNING chief had to step in to stop an online row escalating over plans to turn a pub into homes.

Alex Kerr's proposal to knock down Horsley's Bell and Castle pub and replace it with six homes, a shop and a flat was turned down by Stroud District Council (SDC) but not before its head of planning, Phil Skill, was forced to take the unprecedented step of asking people to stop using the council's planning website as a village chatroom.

Mr Kerr's planning application generated significant controversy within the village, because its shop needs a new location and it was hoped it could move in to his new development.

Around 100 comments were made on it to SDC.

Objectors believed the rent for the shop would be too high but Mr Kerr accused some of wanting him to give them a shop.

He used SDC's website to reply to villagers' objections on several matters, so Mr Skill stepped in.

"My side of the story was not being told," said Mr Kerr.

"I do appreciate that the village has an opinion but they want me to give them a shop and the fact is, I cannot afford to do that."

The village shop needs new premises but Mr Kerr said his offer is not on the table now, and he was considering a B&B instead.

Mr Skill posted a note on SDC's website which said: "Could I remind all parties that comments should be reserved for planning issues and NOT as an alternative to community dialogue.

"Please refrain from using this site as a pseudo-chatroom."

Mr Skill told Stroud Life: "In the case of the Bell and Castle application the applicant and a number of residents were making non-planning related comments through our automated comment facility on the website.

"While we could have edited or blocked some or all of the content, the planning service prides itself on the fact that, wherever possible, all correspondence is placed on the web as written."