Controversy erupted at the Forest of Dean District Council meeting on July 24 after the debate on the area’s future development plans was abruptly cut short. The council is revising its local plan, which outlines land use and housing development for the next two decades.
Following a government mandate, the council must now accommodate 13,200 new homes by 2043—an 82 percent increase from previous targets. This revised target equates to building approximately 600 homes per year, up from the earlier 330 homes annually. Councillors approved moving forward with a public consultation to identify how to allocate land to meet these new demands.
In 2022, plans for a 4,000-home new town between the A48 and A40 near Churcham were shelved. However, with rising housing targets, revisiting large-scale new settlements remains a serious option under consideration.
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Prior to the increased targets, the council had planned to concentrate new housing mainly in Lydney, Newent, and Beachley, alongside smaller increases in larger villages throughout the Forest.
The meeting saw more than two hours devoted to questions, discussions, and voting on amendments to the motion. However, when Councillor Chris McFarling (Green, St Briavels) called to put the substantive motion to a vote, frustration erupted as only five minutes were allocated for its debate, and only one councillor spoke on it.
Opposition councillors protested, accusing the chair of stifling democracy by curtailing meaningful discussion. Chairman Di Martin (Labour, Cinderford East) responded that the debate’s scope was limited to deciding whether to proceed with the consultation, emphasizing that further debates would follow.
Former council leader Tim Gwilliam (Progressive Independents, Berry Hill) noted there were other councillors waiting to speak when the vote was called, suggesting the process was rushed. Independent group leader Philip Burford (Hartpury and Redmarley) echoed concerns, stating this was not the first time democratic debate had been constrained.
Councillor Julia Gooch (Independent, Newent and Taynton) questioned the chair on whether she believed the issue had been sufficiently debated. Ms. Martin affirmed her position, assuring more comprehensive discussions would be held in the future.
Councillor Bernie O’Neill (Progressive Independents, Ruspidge) expressed disappointment that debate on the motion lasted only five minutes, calling it “unfair.” The chair defended her decision, explaining a procedural motion had passed, which she could not override.
Council leader Adrian Birch (Green, Tidenham) was given a right of reply, which sparked further protests over the lack of substantial debate. Cllr Birch reassured members that this meeting marked only the beginning of public and council engagement.
“This is an opportunity to initiate public consultation, not to finalize decisions,” he said. “Future debates will refine the details of the local plan and allow for thorough input from all stakeholders.”
The public consultation period will run from July 31 to September 11, 2025, inviting residents to share their views on how to best meet housing needs while shaping the Forest’s future.