The ambitious plan to build 13,200 homes in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean, including two new towns, is at risk of being withdrawn as council leaders reconsider their approach. The local plan, in development since 2018, aimed to guide district-wide construction for the next two decades but has encountered significant challenges.
Originally, the draft outlined the creation of new settlements near Churcham along the A40 and at Glynchbrook near the Ledbury junction of the M50. However, after the Government nearly doubled the district’s housing target from 6,600 to over 13,000, the council revised its proposals accordingly.
Following six rounds of public consultation and numerous policy changes, Forest of Dean District Council is now exploring abandoning the current plan in favor of the Government’s newer “gateway” planning process. This shift would delay the adoption of a final local plan until at least 2029, beyond the previously set deadline of December 31, 2026.
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Council leader Adrian Birch explained that this decision responds to feedback from residents and acknowledges the difficulty in meeting legacy deadlines amid changing housing demands and national regulations. “We are essentially wiping the slate clean and starting again to ensure the plan complies with national policy and facilitates clear, plan-led development,” Birch said.
However, he cautioned that the interim period could leave the district vulnerable to unplanned and speculative building activity due to the absence of an up-to-date plan and a five-year housing land supply.
The decision also reflects political divisions within the council. Councillor Johnathan Lane described the previous plan as lacking consensus, emphasizing that the gateway process offers a fresh opportunity for collaboration and a more effective path forward.
Local opposition groups, such as United Against Glynchbrook, welcomed the potential withdrawal. They criticized the viability of Glynchbrook as a new town, highlighting sustainability concerns including the lack of a train station and the threat to local heritage sites like the Malvern Hills. They urged that any new plan prioritize robust evidence, true sustainability, and meaningful public involvement to deliver housing that genuinely serves the community.
In summary, the Forest of Dean District Council is poised to reboot its housing strategy amid complex challenges, seeking a more balanced, supported, and sustainable development framework for the future.