New preferred option for Forest of Dean Local Plan backed by council
Full Council has agreed to adopt a new preferred option for the revised Local Plan. The plan identifies the district’s principal settlements as the focus for future growth and makes provision for the potential establishment of up to two new settlements, subject to further assessment and consultation.
Leader of Forest of Dean District Council and Cabinet Member for Local Plan, Cllr Adrian Birch said:
“I would like to start by thanking those who took part in the recent local plan options consultation. It was fantastic to receive so many responses and councillors have now agreed a preferred option for the new strategy, shaped by the feedback received.
“The decision to approve the revised strategy has not been taken lightly, particularly given the potential for loss of greenfield land and the concerns expressed by myself and fellow councillors. However, the increase in homes is a government requirement as part of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and it is imperative that we have a local plan in place to reduce the risk of uncontrolled development in the area.
“We will continue to work as a council to lobby government to reduce the housing numbers required, but in the meantime, we must plan for the targets that have been set and work to deliver those in the most sustainable way possible.
“As such, the strategy that has been agreed by councillors will see development take place in our current market towns and villages, helping them to continue to develop, while ensuring that the impact on our environment is kept to a minimum. It will also see up to two new settlements introduced, with sustainable and active travel 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 strategy is written in response to updated government housing targets, which require over 12,000 new homes to be delivered across the Forest of Dean by 2045, an increase of approximately 6,000 homes than previously required.
The preferred option for the new local plan strategy, agreed by councillors at Full Council, 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 communities, supported by appropriate infrastructure and well-connected travel networks.
The new strategy will now form the basis of a Revised Draft Forest of Dean Local Plan that will go out for public consultation in January 2026. Details for this will be issued in due course.
Full details and background information on the Forest of Dean Local Plan can be found on the Council website here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/localplan