Green Party Councillor Sid Phelps, property and projects portfolio holder at Forest of Dean District Council, has resigned in protest, citing exhaustion from “doing the Government’s dirty work” and recent opposition from a Labour MP to the council’s blueprint for building 13,200 homes.
The resignation follows rising tensions after Labour MP Matt Bishop publicly opposed the council’s revised local plan, which aims to meet a sharply increased housing target set by Labour ministers. Last year, the government raised the area’s housing allocation by 82%, demanding more than 13,200 new homes to be built by 2045.
To meet these requirements, the latest draft local plan proposes constructing two new towns—one near the A417 at Redmarley, and another next to the A40 in Churcham—to accommodate approximately 5,500 of the planned homes. However, Mr Bishop’s vocal dissent has alarmed the Green-led minority administration in Coleford, sparking fears that Labour councillors might vote against the plan.
READ MORE: Dental Hygienist Reveals 4 Foods That Naturally Whiten Teeth
READ MORE: Inside the Unsolved Murder of Carol Clark: A Young Woman Found Dead by a Gloucestershire Canal
Cllr Phelps, who previously managed the local plan portfolio and represents Lydbrook, called the dramatic housing target increase “outrageous” and “undeliverable,” expressing doubts about the feasibility of these proposals and the council’s capacity to effectively implement them.
He also cited impending local government reorganisation—which will dissolve the Forest of Dean District Council—as a significant factor in his decision. “It’s been a ride,” said Phelps. “We’ve achieved a lot, but on a personal level, I’ve decided to throw in the towel.”
Reflecting on the local plan’s turbulent history, he noted it has been rejected multiple times and criticized the escalating housing requirements as burdensome and misaligned with council members’ views.
“The cabinet and Greens are struggling with this,” he said, “especially with the MP pulling the rug out from under us by refusing to support our proposals.”
Though disappointed, Phelps hopes for constructive dialogue with the MP on future steps. He remains unconvinced about the benefits of the local government reorganisation, pointing out its lack of support among councillors and potential downsides. “It’s not what this council wants,” he said, “but it’s happening regardless. I won’t be part of delivering something I don’t believe in.”
Phelps concluded by thanking council officers and wishing the cabinet success, expressing confidence that his successor, Dave Tradgett, will “continue the good work.” He plans to continue supporting the council from the back benches.
Meanwhile, the Government maintains its commitment to building 1.5 million new homes during this parliamentary term, arguing that increasing housing supply is essential to alleviating permanent accommodation shortages and improving homeownership prospects for young people.