Plans to build a new town of 3,000 homes near the A417 in Gloucestershire have sparked worries that the area could become a “traffic corridor” with insufficient public transport options. Forest of Dean District Council is exploring the creation of one or two new towns to meet a government mandate to build around 12,000 homes by 2045.
One proposed site, called Glynchbrook, is situated between the M50 and the A417. However, the council’s own sustainability report warns this location is poorly suited for low-carbon access to services and fails to meet key development criteria. Local experts and residents have expressed concerns about the site’s car dependency, lack of essential amenities, and public transit links.
Living Streets, a charity focused on promoting accessible, green streets, urges the council to prioritize locations that allow residents to reach hospitals, schools, shops, and workplaces without relying on cars. Tanya Braun, the charity’s external affairs director, acknowledged the urgent need for new housing but emphasized the importance of designing communities for people, not vehicles.
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“Car-centric design harms public health and worsens pollution and traffic congestion,” Braun said. “New developments should encourage walking, cycling, and public transport to provide healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.”
Local opposition highlights the absence of a train station or secondary school in Glynchbrook, with only one bus route expected to serve the new town. Some residents suggest alternative locations such as Lydney, which has a train station and underused schools, or Churcham, which benefits from rail connections.
Retired NHS professional Rosemary Brierley criticized the idea of building a town where driving is mandatory. “Given the climate crisis and environmental impact, any new town must have adequate public transportation,” she stated. “Placing people in isolated areas without infrastructure is irresponsible.”
Former teacher Alex Girling added that building homes far from services risks excluding those unable to afford car ownership, which has become increasingly costly.
The government’s National Planning Policy Framework supports moving away from developments dominated by cars toward more attractive, walkable communities.
The Glynchbrook site is more than five miles from the nearest GP and employment centres, meaning reliance on private vehicles is almost certain. While nearby Ledbury has a railway station with connections to major cities, it lacks direct rail service to Gloucester or Cheltenham.
In December 2024, the council’s housing target rose from 330 to 600 new homes annually. Glynchbrook is among ten potential new town sites, but eight were previously deemed unlikely for development. Adding to local concerns, the council’s flood risk assessment identified flood zones across the proposed site.
Despite these challenges, the council has agreed to explore plans to extend existing settlements and create new ones, with final decisions expected in January 2026. A council spokesperson stated that no decisions on specific sites have been made yet and that thorough assessments—including flood risk, transport, and sustainability—will guide future planning. Public consultation and collaboration with developers will ensure any development complies with national and local standards.