Concerns have emerged over plans to build a new town of 3,000 homes in Gloucestershire, with critics warning it could become an “anonymous motorway outpost” that threatens local heritage and sustainability.
Forest of Dean District Council is updating its development blueprint and aims to deliver more than 12,000 new homes across the district by 2045, as part of a Government-mandated housing target. To achieve this, the council is considering creating one or more new settlements, including a proposed site at Glynchbrook, near the Ledbury junction of the M50, off the A417 in Redmarley.
Local residents and heritage experts have strongly opposed the Glynchbrook proposal. They describe the plan as “extraordinarily odd” and warn it risks destroying the agricultural landscape that forms the setting for historic assets in the area. These include the Grade II* listed 12th-century Bury Court and over 39 other listed buildings whose historic value derives from their rural surroundings.
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Conservation consultancy Donald Insall Associates analysed the site and raised serious concerns. They highlighted the site’s susceptibility to flooding, its isolated location between the M50, A417, and Malvern Hills, and the high dependency on car travel due to the distance from local services and employment hubs. The experts caution that rather than developing a meaningful town, the project would create a disconnected suburb with limited community identity.
There is also unease about the impact on neighbouring villages such as Redmarley d’Abitot and Lowbands, whose heritage character could be severely compromised. The analysis stresses that the new development would “obliterate the agricultural setting” and undermine the “sense of place” that defines the area.
Local opposition has coalesced around a group called United Against Glynchbrook – Save Our Countryside. They have signed an open letter urging councillors to reconsider allocating the site in the draft Local Plan. Critics point to the council’s initial sustainability assessment, which found extensive flood zones across the site and concluded it was poorly positioned for low-carbon access to amenities.
While the council initially rated the site as unlikely to meet development requirements, a recent reassessment has shifted to support the proposal. Notably, among 31 evaluated sites, Glynchbrook is the only location with a revised positive sustainability verdict.
The council acknowledges the public concerns and emphasizes its commitment to a balanced approach that addresses social, environmental, and economic factors in shaping the district’s future. It also notes ongoing dialogue with central government seeking clarity on housing targets.
Responding to criticism, a council spokesperson said no final decisions on individual sites have been made. All areas remain under assessment, considering flood risk, transport, landscape impact, and sustainability. Future plans will include further consultation and must comply with national and local planning standards.
As debate continues, the fate of the Glynchbrook proposal remains uncertain, reflecting the challenge of meeting ambitious housing targets while preserving Gloucestershire’s unique heritage and environment.