On the evening of February 2, residents of Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean gathered in large numbers at Redmarley Village Hall to voice staunch opposition to the proposed construction of 3,500 homes near the A417. The plan, which involves creating a new town called Glynchbrook close to Redmarley D’Abitot, Lowbands, and Pendock, has been criticized as “ludicrous” by locals concerned about its impact.
The proposal comes as part of the Forest of Dean District Council’s response to a government mandate requiring the construction of 13,000 new homes by 2045. To meet this target, the council is considering two new settlements, including Glynchbrook.
United Against Glynchbrook, a local campaign group, argues that the development threatens the area’s heritage, landscape, and ecology, particularly through the irreversible loss of valuable farmland. Residents fear the site’s proximity to junction two of the M50 will lead to significant environmental damage and disrupt the character of the Forest district.
Attendees of the meeting expressed serious concerns about the plan’s lack of infrastructure and its heavy reliance on car travel, especially given the absence of nearby train services. The turnout exceeded the hall’s capacity, with people listening from hallways and outside, highlighting the depth of local unease. Over 200 villagers joined parish, district, and county councillors who set aside political differences to present a united front against the proposal.
Phil Waring, a resident of Lowbands, stated: “We all understand the need for new homes and appreciate the council’s efforts to meet housing targets, but this cannot be a box-ticking exercise. Building on a floodplain, isolated from workplaces, schools, and medical facilities with no train access, does not solve the problem.”
Waring continued, “The council’s own reports acknowledge these issues. There are superior locations within the Forest of Dean that offer more sustainable development opportunities. We urge the council to reconsider and deliver housing that truly meets residents’ needs.”
Critics also pointed to what they perceive as inadequate democratic oversight in formulating the local plan. Concerns about road capacity and the increase in traffic volumes were frequently raised.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming local plan consultation, open from February 4 to March 18, 2026, to ensure their views are heard.
Council leader Adrian Birch emphasized the importance of public engagement following the council’s decision to consult on the draft local plan. He explained that although the council has challenged government housing targets, these remain in place. Birch noted, “Without an approved local plan, development decisions would be dictated by national policies and developers, limiting our influence.”
He added, “The local plan enables us to ensure growth aligns with community priorities, including considerations of design and environmental impact. We urge everyone to share their views during this consultation.”
The council is also inviting landowners to submit potential sites for development consideration in this year’s plan review, with forms available on the council’s website.
Residents can submit feedback on the local plan by email to [email protected] or by mail to Forest of Dean District Council, FAO Local Plans Team, High Street, Coleford, GL16 8HG. Submissions should include the heading ‘Local Plan Consultation Response’.