There is a “golden opportunity” to abandon controversial plans for new towns in the Forest of Dean, as revised targets for housebuilding could reduce the number of new homes planned from nearly 13,000 to around 8,000 over a shorter time frame.
Opponents of the new settlement proposals, including local politicians and planning experts, argue that this change offers a chance to reconsider the approach to meeting government housing targets in west Gloucestershire.
Previously, Forest of Dean District Council had proposed new towns as part of a local plan aiming to deliver more than 12,631 homes over 20 years. Among the proposed developments were a site at Glynchbrook, situated between the M50 and A417 near Redmarley, and a new 2,000-home settlement adjacent to the A40 in Churcham near Gloucester.
READ MORE: Two Men Arrested After Police Pursuit on M5 Following Stolen Car Report Near Gloucester
READ MORE: Poaching Equipment Confiscated Following Police Stop in Cotswolds
However, councillors have since withdrawn this blueprint to develop a fresh plan under updated national policy guidelines. Recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allow for local plans with a 10-year horizon rather than 20, reducing the total housing target accordingly.
Matt Bishop, Labour MP for the Forest of Dean, stated: “We absolutely need new homes in the Forest of Dean, particularly genuinely affordable ones for local people. But these homes should be built sensibly, alongside necessary infrastructure and public services, with developments planned fairly and sustainably across the district.”
He added that the government’s revised guidance offers the council an opportunity to reconsider its strategy. “The Greens should take it, shorten the local plan, scrap Glynchbrook, and propose a plan that benefits the entire Forest of Dean.”
Nicholas Boys Smith MBE, Chairman of Create Streets, expressed satisfaction that Glynchbrook could be removed from consideration. He highlighted the advantages of the new NPPF’s “vision-led approach” to transport infrastructure, which supports creating beautiful, sustainable communities where people can easily walk to local amenities rather than relying on cars.
County Councillor Gill Moseley (LD, Newent) welcomed the policy changes, describing them as a “golden opportunity” for the council to deliver genuinely sustainable housing that meets local needs. She criticised the previous plan’s housing target as excessive for the district, pushing towards inappropriate options like Glynchbrook.
Councillor John Francis (Independent, Huntley and Longhope), who represents Churcham, suggested that the new towns are unlikely to proceed, citing infrastructure challenges. He pointed out significant congestion at Over Bridge and the absence of major funding to improve connectivity between the Forest of Dean and Gloucester, making large-scale developments difficult to support.
Under the updated NPPF, local plans can have a minimum period of 10 years, meaning housing targets can be adjusted accordingly. The annual housing requirement of 604 homes set by the government remains unchanged, but a shorter plan duration reduces the cumulative target to about 8,000 homes.
Forest of Dean District Council leader Adrian Birch (Green, Tidenham) confirmed that the council is now focused on creating a plan aligned with national policy changes. He emphasised the importance of selecting an appropriate plan period and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to support future housing.
He also assured that the council is committed to consulting local communities, businesses, town and parish councils, and other stakeholders throughout the plan development process. Further information about engagement opportunities will be provided in due course.