Forest of Dean District Council calls for potential housing and employment sites

Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Tim Gwilliam said:

“With many exciting projects underway and contributing to the future of the Forest of Dean, this is a pivotal time for the district. If you have land that you believe could potentially be developed in the future, either for housing or business purposes, this is your chance to submit it for consideration.

“By submitting your site for assessment, it does not necessarily mean that development will happen, but it is that important first step that puts it in front of the right people for consideration.

“This is a key stage in a process that, although statutory, gives us a real opportunity to think differently and to achieve the sustainable, viable and much needed growth we need in the Forest.

“We must aim for development that benefits and compliments Forest of Dean communities and businesses. We need to start thinking as one, developers, communities and councils working together is the way we need to do things going forward.”

The assessment is required by the UK Government, and will help determine potential areas of land for all types of housing (Including travellers and travelling show people) and employment across the Forest of Dean District. The yearly study allows the council to keep its list of potential sites as up to date as possible. 

All the sites suggested are assessed to see whether they could be developed if supported by planning policy, but it is important to note, the assessment does not determine whether a site will be allocated for housing development, or for employment in the future.  

People looking to put forward any potential housing or employment sites can do so by completing either the online form, via email, or by post.

Forms are required to be submitted by 31 March 2023 to ensure the site will be considered as part of the 2023 review. 

Submissions received after the deadline, will be assessed as part of the SHLAA update in 2024. Those that have previously submitted a site(s) will not be required to re-submit, unless they wish to make changes to the site or remove it from the study, as past sites will be carried forward. 

All sites submitted will be retained as part of a long-term database of potential housing and employment sites used to inform the Local Plan. All submissions to the council will be available to the public.

Those who wish to put forward a site(s) to be considered in this year’s review can proceed to download a form from the council’s website: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/shlaa