Concerns over potential gridlock on the A48 have reignited calls for the construction of a Forest of Dean Gateway road to bypass Chepstow. The proposal comes amidst plans to build 5,400 new homes in the Forest of Dean, leading to fears that the increased population will worsen congestion. Conservative councillor Nick Evans, advocating for a bypass since 2018, emphasizes the need for adequate transport infrastructure to prevent future issues.
Residents in the Tidenham ward have expressed overwhelming objection to the housing plan, citing congestion and inadequate services in the area. Cllr Evans stresses the necessity of listening to the lived experiences of local residents, dismisses remote work as an unrealistic solution, and urges the implementation of a Forest Gateway road to support the new development.
Originally, the District Council intended to concentrate the housing expansion in Lydney, Beachley, and Newent, with plans for 1,300 new homes in Lydney and 600 at Beachley Barracks. However, changes imposed by the Labour Government demand an additional 5,400 houses in the Forest, compelling planners to reassess the existing plan. Cllr Evans asserts that the revised development cannot proceed without the construction of a new road.
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The District Council has unanimously agreed to review the current Local Plan Strategy and explore alternative options for plan preparation in response to the government’s demands.