Thousands of new homes planned in Gloucestershire in next 20-years.
Council leaders have revealed where they see the homes being built.
Civic leaders have revealed where they want developers to build thousands of new homes in Gloucestershire over the next 20 years.
Lydney, Newent and Beachley will be getting most of the 7,440 new homes planned for the Forest of Dean.
Forest of Dean District Council leaders are expected to back the launch of a public consultation for the area’s new local plan later this month.
The local plan sets out the council’s vision for development in the district and cabinet members are expected to give their approval for it to go out to consultation this week.
Council leaders have parked the idea of creating a new garden village to help meet the district’s housing needs.
And instead, the draft strategy will focus on developing Lydney to give the town an “enhanced role” as a focal point for the Forest of Dean.
The plan includes realising existing housing commitments in the town and mixed development on new land beyond them as well as making better connections to nearby villages.
Lydney iself will accommodate at least 33% of the new development proposed in the local plan.
The plan also identifies development of land at Newent as a priority and the regeneration of land at Beachley Camp.
Council leader Tim Gwilliam (The Progressive Independents, Berry Hill) said: “Through ‘Our Plan’ we want to look at the benefits that genuine regeneration alongside sustainable, viable and complementary development can bring to our communities, to businesses, to schools and other organisations. To our local sports clubs, to wildlife watchers, to artists, to tourists, to developers and to employees.
“If we want to do all those things, to create a ‘place’ where we want to live, to work and to enjoy, it can’t just be about me, the cabinet or councillors.
“It can’t just be about the planning department. It can’t just be about houses and it can’t just be about Forest of Dean District Council. It needs to be about everyone in the Forest of Dean.”
“The ‘Our Plan’ consultation is not just about where we deliver housing, but a holistic plan for growth, development and sustainability.”
District leaders say the draft strategy promotes Lydney as the largest of the forest towns and a true “gateway to the Forest” with increased housing, employment, retail, leisure and supporting services. Improved access to the town and support for nearby villages.
The council says it is important to achieve a high standard of sustainable design across the district while addressing local housing needs, through the provision of a good housing availability, type and total supply. This includes affordable housing options in locations which benefit and support local services.
The new plan needs to include about 7440 new dwellings for the whole district (with up to 40% of new dwellings already committed).
The plan provides for a range of employment and educational opportunities and ensures the policies and proposals support and encourage a strong local economy.
Councillor Alan Preest (C, Lydney East) said he is happy for his town to receive the extra housing provided they receive adequate infrastructure.
“We haven’t had the infrastructure for the 2,500 houses that have already been delivered.
“Forest of Dean District Council need to be talking to all interested parties and not just selling their soul to reach their figures and to placate developers. We need to look after the existing people we’ve got here and ensure the existing infrastructure, highways, public transport, health and education services can cope.”