New most well-liked choice for Forest of Dean Local Plan backed by council

Full Council has agreed to undertake a brand new most well-liked choice for the revised Local Plan. The plan identifies the district’s principal settlements as the main focus for future progress and makes provision for the potential institution of as much as two new settlements, topic to additional evaluation and session.   

Leader of Forest of Dean District Council and Cabinet Member for Local Plan, Cllr Adrian Birch stated:

“I would like to start out by thanking those that took half within the latest native plan choices session. It was implausible to obtain so many responses and councillors have now agreed a most well-liked choice for the brand new technique, formed by the suggestions obtained. 

“The resolution to approve the revised technique has not been taken flippantly, significantly given the potential for lack of greenfield land and the considerations expressed on my own and fellow councillors. However, the rise in properties is a authorities requirement as a part of the brand new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and it’s crucial that we have now an area plan in place to cut back the chance of uncontrolled growth within the space. 

“We will proceed to work as a council to foyer authorities to cut back the housing numbers required, however within the meantime, we should plan for the targets which have been set and work to ship these in essentially the most sustainable means potential. 

“As such, the technique that has been agreed by councillors will see growth happen in our present market cities and villages, serving to them to proceed to develop, whereas guaranteeing that the influence on the environment is stored to a minimal. It can even see as much as two new settlements launched, with sustainable and lively journey routes included for residents. 

“I understand that the scale of new housing may feel significant, but we must plan responsibly for the next 20 years and work within the targets set by government. This new strategy is the best option to deliver those numbers in the most sustainable way for the Forest of Dean.” 

The new technique is written in response to up to date authorities housing targets, which require over 12,000 new properties to be delivered throughout the Forest of Dean by 2045, a rise of roughly 6,000 properties than beforehand required. 

The most well-liked choice for the brand new native plan technique, agreed by councillors at Full Council, focuses on extra growth within the district’s most sustainable settlements, these with sturdy entry to companies, employment alternatives, and sustainable transport hyperlinks, together with lively journey routes. 

It additionally proposes the creation of as much as two new settlements designed to foster sustainable communities, supported by applicable infrastructure and well-connected journey networks. 

The new technique will now kind the premise of a Revised Draft Forest of Dean Local Plan that may exit for public session in January 2026. Details for this might be issued sooner or later. 

Full particulars and background data on the Forest of Dean Local Plan will be discovered on the Council web site right here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/localplan