Forest of Dean District Council leaders have approved a draft local plan outlining where 6,600 new homes will be built by 2041. The plan focuses on Lydney, Beachley, and Newent, with 1,300 homes planned for Lydney, 600 at Beachley Barracks, and 600 at a new site southeast of Newent. Other allocations include 320 homes in Cinderford, 368 in Coleford, and smaller numbers in Mitcheldean, Tutshill, Newnham, Drybrook, Bream, and Littledean.

Councillor Sid Phelps, the planning cabinet member, noted that the new housing needs calculation necessitated an additional 400 homes. “It’s important for setting the council’s policies in order for development to take place in the most sustainable manner,” he said.

Public consultation on the proposals will last six weeks, with adjustments to the plan made afterward. The Labour group has proposed increasing the percentage of affordable homes in new developments from 35% to 40%. Councillor Jacob Sanders highlighted the housing challenges in the Forest, expressing concerns over gentrification.

The council approved the draft local plan for consultation with 25 votes to eight. The final version will be submitted for examination by planning inspectors following the regulation 18 public consultation.