Forest of Dean District Council’s Green Party leadership has narrowly survived a no-confidence vote concerning its handling of a contentious plan to build 13,200 new homes in the district. The motion, brought forward by Independent Councillor John Francis, was defeated by a slim margin of 19 votes to 18, with one councillor abstaining during the meeting on February 19.
Councillor Francis criticised the council for what he described as an “undemocratic” approach to shaping the local plan, arguing that residents and councillors alike had been sidelined from meaningful engagement. He urged greater transparency and inclusivity in decision-making, citing a lack of proper forums over the past two years to register concerns from the public and town or parish councils.
In response, Council Leader Adrian Birch defended the council’s engagement process, emphasizing that the policies under review largely mirror those from the previous plan. He noted the necessity of updating the strategy to accommodate government-mandated housing targets over the next 23 years, including proposed developments such as the 3,500-home town at Glynchbrook near Redmarley and around 2,000 homes near Churcham.
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Cllr Birch pointed out that attempts to engage councillors had been met with low attendance and stressed that the council’s hands were tied regarding land allocation, which depends on landowners’ willingness to develop. He warned that without an approved local plan, the district could lose control over future development, leaving it vulnerable to speculative building projects.
The debate revealed sharp divisions among council members and highlighted frustrations voiced by local residents who attended the meeting, some holding placards in protest. Opposition councillors, including Liberal Democrat Gill Moseley and Progressive Independent Jamie Elsmore, echoed concerns about insufficient consultation and democratic process shortcomings.
Labour Councillor Patrick Kyne cautioned against internal conflicts distracting the council from addressing pressing district challenges. Meanwhile, Green Councillor Sid Phelps and others stressed the risks of abandoning the current plan amid escalating government housing targets.
Ultimately, the no-confidence motion failed, but the vote underscored ongoing tensions regarding housing growth and community engagement in the Forest of Dean.