One Gloucestershire council candidate is offering a bold solution to the housing crisis in the region by suggesting the “annexation of Ross-on-Wye” as a means to avoid building a new town near Gloucester. This unconventional proposal has emerged amidst the preparations for the upcoming Gloucestershire County Council elections.
Former Forest of Dean District Councillor Thom Forester is advocating for the annexation of the nearby market town in Herefordshire, which is required to accommodate an additional 3,000 homes over the next two decades. In parallel, the Forest District needs to secure land for an additional 5,400 homes by 2041.
The Independent candidate for Drybrook and Lydbrook asserts in his election literature that only a “radical plan” can prevent the “madness” of constructing a new garden town between the A40 and A48, which would disrupt the landscape and character of the Forest.
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Mr. Forester notes that Herefordshire Council’s allocation of housing sites just a short drive from Mitcheldean has significantly strained local services, prompting the need for an alternative approach. He emphasizes that if Ross were to join the Forest, the government and developers would no longer have the authority to impose the construction of a new town towards Gloucester.
While acknowledging the strong links between Ross and the Forest, some skepticism remains about the feasibility of such an annexation, particularly in light of the historical rivalry between the two communities. Ross-on-Wye is regarded as the “gateway to the Forest of Dean” and has deep connections to the region, making the prospect of annexation a challenging proposition.
Herefordshire Councillor Louis Clark (LD, Ross West) believes that the proposal to merge the areas under a single council is likely to be a non-starter, given the strong relationship between the market town and the Forest. He also highlights the friendly rivalry between the two regions.
The idea of annexation faces further skepticism from local councillors, with some expressing surprise at the proposal and others testifying to the lack of support for the concept among Ross residents.
The upcoming Gloucestershire County Council elections feature candidates from various parties standing in the Drybrook and Lydbrook division. More information about the candidates participating in the May 1st election can be found on the official election website.
Herefordshire Council has chosen not to provide a comment on the matter.