Sid Phelps, Green Party councillor and former property and projects lead at Forest of Dean District Council, has resigned amid mounting frustration with government-imposed housing targets and political opposition within his council. The decision follows Labour MP Matt Bishop’s public rejection of the council’s updated local plan, which proposes building 13,200 homes by 2045.
Last year, Labour ministers increased the housing allocation for the Forest of Dean by 82 percent, pushing the council to revise its draft local plan. The current blueprint includes developing two new towns near the A417 at Redmarley and along the A40 in Churcham, aiming to deliver approximately 5,500 homes.
However, Matt Bishop’s opposition to the plan has caused concern among Green councillors, who lead a minority administration in Coleford, fearing that Labour colleagues might now vote against the housing proposals. Bishop, who previously managed the local plan portfolio, branded the significant housing increase “outrageous” and undeliverable in its current form.
READ MORE: Council Defends Hereford Bypass Funding Amid Government Support Doubts
READ MORE: Shop Returns to High Street, Reviving a Beloved Community Hub
Speaking at the council’s cabinet meeting on April 9, Phelps cited frustration over the increased housing targets and uncertainty surrounding local government reorganization—set to dissolve the district council—as key factors in his resignation.
“It has been a great journey with many achievements, but on a personal level, I’ve decided to throw in the towel,” Phelps said. He criticized the frequent rejections of the local plan and stated the housing figures are “not deliverable” in a manner consistent with council members’ wishes. He added that opposition from the local MP felt like having “the rug pulled out from under us.”
The councillor expressed hope for dialogue with Bishop to find a viable way forward. Phelps also voiced skepticism about the benefits of upcoming local government reorganization, which was rejected by a two-thirds majority of the council but is proceeding regardless. He made it clear he does not intend to participate in delivering changes he does not support.
Despite stepping down, Phelps emphasized he is not bitter and remains optimistic about the future. He thanked council officers and wished his successor, Dave Tradgett of Longhope and Huntley, well in continuing the work. “I’m going to be supporting from the backbenches,” he said.
The government’s broader pledge to build 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament aims to address housing shortages, improve family living conditions, and increase homeownership opportunities for young people. Officials highlight that expanding quality housing stock regionally is crucial to resolving these pressing issues.