A proposed new town comprising 3,000 homes near the A417 in Gloucestershire has sparked significant opposition from local residents. A 160-member campaign group, the Lowbands and Redmarley Protection Group, has been formed to challenge the development plans on the Glynchbrook site near junction two of the M50 at Redmarley.
Forest of Dean District Council’s cabinet is scheduled to meet to discuss whether to include the 281.2-acre Glynchbrook site in the revised draft local plan. This decision will later be considered by the full council.
The group has petitioned the council with an open letter expressing concerns that the development does not align with the council’s climate commitments, threatens valuable agricultural land, and may not withstand long-term scrutiny. Central to their argument is the issue of transport. They point out that Glynchbrook lacks a railway station, has limited bus services, and is situated close to the M50, indicating the area would likely become heavily car-dependent. This contradicts the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, which advises against developments dominated by car travel. The transport charity Living Streets has also warned that Glynchbrook could become a “corridor for traffic.”
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In addition, residents raise alarms over potential adverse impacts on the landscape and heritage of the area. The site lies within the setting of the Malvern Hills National Landscape and is visible from well-known viewpoints. The permanent loss of Grade 3 good quality farmland, including a long-established dairy farm, also raises concerns about food security.
Flood risk is another significant issue, as council assessments highlight zones vulnerable to flooding across parts of the site.
While recognizing the council’s challenging task in meeting housing demands, the letter suggests exploring alternatives that better conform to national policies. These include expanding east of Lydney, which benefits from existing rail links, and integrating growth in Churcham with developments planned for West Gloucester under a broader regional plan. Such coordinated development could support robust public transport and create more self-contained communities.
Council officials acknowledge the community’s concerns and encourage ongoing engagement in the planning process. They emphasize the legal requirement to plan for a substantial increase in housing, citing a target of 12,000 new homes by 2045 in the Forest of Dean district. Two new town developments are among the options considered to meet this target.
A council spokesperson stated that no final decisions have been made about any sites, with all options undergoing thorough evaluation against criteria including flood risk, transport access, environmental impact, and sustainability. Public feedback remains a critical part of this process. If Glynchbrook or any other sites proceed, they will be subject to detailed assessment and consultation to ensure developments meet national and local planning standards.
The campaign group and council continue to await further dialogue with the promoters of the Glynchbrook proposal.