Plans to build 140 new homes on over 18 acres at Poolway Farm, off Gloucester Road in the Gloucestershire market town of Coleford, are set to be reconsidered by the Forest of Dean District Council next week.
Freeman Homes seeks approval to develop a mix of two to five-bedroom houses, preserving the historic farmhouse on site while demolishing outdated farm buildings to make room for the new residences.
The project was initially reviewed by the council’s development management committee last October. At that time, councillors voted to grant delegated authority to officers to approve the plans, provided a legal agreement is secured. This agreement includes a £37,440 contribution towards local library services, a new roundabout, and the ongoing management of public open space within the development.
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The agreement also set conditions such as a viability review after 80% of the homes are occupied and requirements to enhance the site, including replacing a bat roost.
However, Freeman Homes has now proposed changes to these terms. They suggest removing the mandatory viability review and waiving the affordable housing contribution if the entire development is completed within four years from the start of construction. Alternatively, they propose to provide at least 56 affordable homes by the time 112 houses (80%) are occupied.
A report prepared for the upcoming committee meeting notes that a three-year exemption period was initially suggested during the December schedule preparations.
Council officers have recommended granting delegated permission, stating that the benefits of the development outweigh any negative impacts and that the district urgently needs new housing.
Councillors will revisit and decide on the revised proposals at the Development Management Committee meeting on January 20.