Gloucestershire Daily
NEW

Gloucestershire Police Chief Faces Controversy Over Welsh Barn Conversion

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 planning ecology biodiversity wildlife construction laws gloucestershire monmouthshire conservation development

Gloucestershire’s suspended chief constable, Rod Hansen, has become embroiled in a planning dispute in the Welsh village of Shirenewton, Monmouthshire. Hansen aims to convert a barn near Chepstow into a three-bedroom home, but residents and local councillors have raised serious objections, citing environmental damage and procedural concerns. The Shirenewton Community Council criticized the site’s recent clearance, noting the removal of the barn roof and undergrowth, which displaced protected species such as bats, great crested newts, and dormice during their breeding season.





20861222

Outcry as Forest of Dean Council Limits Debate on 13,600-Home Development Plan to Five Minutes

forestofdean localplan housingdevelopment publicconsultation councilmeeting democracy housingtargets landallocation urbanplanning communityengagement

A heated protest erupted during last night’s Forest of Dean District Council meeting as a critical debate concerning the future development blueprint of the area was abruptly cut short. The council is currently revising its … Read More