A development blueprint for 13,200 homes, which includes building two new towns over the next two decades, looks likely to be withdrawn as council chiefs consider a change of plan.
Forest of Dean District Council has been in the process of developing its new local plan since 2018, which will set out where construction should take place in the district.
Its latest draft proposals were changed after the authority’s Government-imposed housing target almost doubled from 6,600 last year.
The proposals included the creation of new settlements, one next to the A40 in Churcham and another at Glynchbrook, off the A417 near the Ledbury junction of the M50 in Redmarley.
The council held a consultation on the plans this year and was due to vote on the blueprint, which it estimated would be adopted in 2027 or 2028.
However, council chiefs are now considering withdrawing the 2025-2045 local plan and instead proceeding under the “gateway” planning process set up by the Government. Under this arrangement, adoption of a new plan is not expected until 2029.
Council leader Adrian Birch (G, Tidenham) told last week’s cabinet meeting that the change of approach comes after feedback and that it would now be difficult for the authority to meet the Government’s December 31, 2026 deadline for local plans under the “legacy” system.
He said it was recommended the council halt the current plan-making process and approve the making of a new local plan under the Government’s new process.
“Making this change now will ensure compliance with national policy and restore strong plan-led development as soon as possible,” he said.
However, he warned that during that period the council will continue to have an out-of-date local plan which may result in more “unplanned and speculative” development in the absence of a plan and a five-year housing land supply.
Cllr Birch went on to say that six formal consultations have taken place in the district since 2018.
“This level of engagement reflects both the scale of public interest and the council’s commitment to transparent and inclusive plan-making,” he added.
“Throughout this period the context of plan-making has repeatedly and materially changed.”
He said these changes include significant increases in the district’s housing requirements and successive revisions to national planning policy.
Cllr Birch explained that following the consultation this year “it is clear there was not sufficient support across the council” for the legacy plan to go forward for submission “without further consideration of further allocations for development”.
He said any substantial changes to the plans should be subject to further consultation but there would not be sufficient time for the plan to be submitted by the Government’s deadline.
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com
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