DEVELOPER Richmond Villages has circulated 2,000 questionnaires in Painswick to gauge opinion on the latest phase of its retirement complex.

As part of phase three, the company is also planning to donate cash to good causes in the community, which could include the appeal to save the library.

The firm has, however, quashed rumours that it was handing over £100,000 to the library campaign.

Developers often make community donations to help win local support for big building projects, although such moves can be controversial.

Planning decisions are made by Stroud District Council but parish views are taken into consideration.

Parish councillors have insisted that they will not be swayed by financial incentives.

"I'd like to make it absolutely clear that we would judge the application solely on its merits," said Terry Parker, chairman of Painswick Parish Council.

"Our final decision will be based on what is best for the community."

A planning application is expected by the end of the year.

Keith Cockell, managing director of Richmond Villages, said: "We have delivered 2,000 questionnaires to provide an opportunity for residents to express opinions about our proposed development.

"There is currently no plan to make a contribution to the library project and certainly no offer to this effect has been made.

"I can confirm that Richmond Villages is planning to set aside funds to donate to good causes in the local community, of which there are a number, including the library project.

"However, it is very early days and we have not as yet reached the point where we can nominate who will receive charitable donations."

Work on the £20 million luxury retirement village began last summer.

Plans received a mixed reception and provoked fears that Painswick would become an elderly ghetto'.