Community feedback sought on draft Forest of Dean Local Plan
Forest of Dean District Council invites residents to take an active role in the new Forest of Dean Local Plan, with a consultation on the revised draft plan starting 04 February 2026 and running through to 18 March 2026.
Leader of Forest of Dean District Council and Cabinet Member for Local Plan, Cllr Adrian Birch said:
"We’re inviting everyone to share their views on the draft Local Plan and help shape the future of the Forest of Dean.
“As a council, we have written to government to challenge the housing target set for us, however this has not been changed. We therefore need to put forward a Local Plan that gives greater control over where and how new development happens.
“Without an approved plan, decisions would be driven by national policy alone and largely led by developers, leaving us with little influence over where growth takes place. With a plan in place, we can ensure proposals meet local priorities, including assessing applications by appearance, layout, density and environmental performance so that new developments work for our communities.
“It is essential that we hear from as many people as possible. This consultation is a real opportunity for residents to shape the issues that matter most to them and I would encourage everyone to take part and share their thoughts.”
The revised strategy for the Forest of Dean Local Plan was backed by councillors at a Full Council meeting held last November. The strategy focuses on additional development in the district’s most sustainable settlements, those with strong access to services, employment opportunities, and sustainable transport links, including active travel routes.
It also proposes the creation of up to two new settlements designed to foster sustainable, well-connected communities, supported by appropriate infrastructure and travel networks.
At a Full Council meeting on 22 January 2026 the latest version of the Forest of Dean Draft Local Plan was approved for further public consultation, providing further detail on the potential sites for development and presents residents with the opportunity to comment.
Alongside the online consultation, there will be seven community drop-in events taking place in venues across the district.
Details for the current in-person events can be found below:
Wednesday 11 February 2026 – Corse and Staunton Village Hall, Gloucester Road, Corse, GL19 3RQ (2:00pm – 5:00pm)
Tuesday 17 February 2026 – Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, GL15 5AT. (3:30pm – 6:30pm)
Wednesday 18 February 2026 Cinderford Town Council Offices, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, GL14 2AA (3:30pm - 6:30pm)
Monday 23 February 2026 - Newent Community Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Watery Lane, Newent GL18 1QA (3:00pm – 6:00pm)
Wednesday, 25 February 2026 – Sedbury and Beachley Village Hall, King Alfreds Road, Sedbury, NP16 7AG (3:00pm – 6:00pm)
Saturday 28 February 2026 – Huntley Village Hall, North Road, Huntley, GL19 3DU (9:00am - 12noon)
Wednesday, 4 March 2026 - Coleford District Council Offices, High Street, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8HG (3:00pm – 6:00pm)
Any further in-person events will be advertised by the Council in due course.
Residents can also email localplans@fdean.gov.uk or write to the Forest of Dean District Council to provide their views at the address below. If writing, or emailing, please use the heading ‘Local Plan Consultation Response’.
Forest of Dean District Council FAO Local Plans Team
High Street,
Coleford,
GL16 8HG
The consultation is open from 04 February 2026 and runs until 18 March 2026.
Further information on the Local Plan process can be found at the following link: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/localplan