A local council in England is preparing a plan that could see two new towns built as part of efforts to meet housing targets.
The Forest of Dean, in Gloucestershire, has seen its housing target nearly double from approximately 6,600 new homes over 20 years to a minimum of 12,000 over a similar timeframe, or up to 13,200 homes when the plan period is extended to 22 years.
This plan, expected to guide planning decisions until 2045, highlights growth in existing towns and larger villages while allowing for modest expansion in rural settlements.
The contentious element remains the possibility of building new settlements or ‘new towns.’
The Green Party administration promotes this strategy as a sustainable way to deliver the increased housing numbers, but opponents argue that such developments risk environmental degradation and place pressure on infrastructure.
Landscape and legends
The Forest of Dean’s deep historical and cultural roots provide a rich backdrop to current planning debates. The landscape is home to many myths and legends, and is known for ghost stories.
For example, Littledean Hall is thought to be one of the most haunted houses in England, known for its phantom blood stains and a ghostly manservant who was murdered there, and St Briavels Castle is a popular spot for ghost hunters.
And Littledean Jail is known as the ‘Alcatraz of the Forest’, home to a collection of macabre objects (including ‘a genuine murder victim’s full-size skeleton’) as well as ghostly characters who wander the hallways of the former prison.
Other paranormal inhabitants in the area include a headless horseman, a woman living in a lake and the ‘Beast of Dean’, which is said to resemble an enormous boar.
But beyond folklore and ghost stories, the area appeals widely to nature lovers.
Puzzlewood is an enchanting woodland walk filled with moss-covered rocks, winding paths, and ancient trees, purportedly inspiring J.R.R. Tolkien and creating fantastical scenes for films like Star Wars and Merlin.
Kayakers and canoeists enjoy the River Wye’s scenic waters, and there’s also a hiking route to the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint, which overlooks the river.
Events like the FOD Fringe celebrate local crafts, music, and arts, and traditional pubs and farm shops serve local ales, ciders and seasonal produce.
This heritage and culture in the Forest of Dean emphasises the difficulties involved in reconciling housing demands with the district’s largely rural, environmentally sensitive nature.
The proposed local plan is due for consideration by the Green Party-led cabinet on 6 November, with a full council meeting scheduled for 13 November to discuss the strategy further.
Forest of Dean District Council leader Adrian Birch stated the plan is a response to the Government’s substantially increased housing targets, which the council has formally appealed.
He warned that failing to get the local plan approved on time would jeopardise the council’s ability to control development effectively, especially ahead of planned local government reorganisation in 2028.
Political reaction
Conservative councillors, led by Clayton Williams, have criticised the Green administration for disregarding public opposition to new towns, highlighting the potential loss of greenfield and prime agricultural land.
Williams referred to recent electoral results to claim broad voter rejection of new settlements and warned about insufficient infrastructure provision.
The Progressive Independents advocate focusing growth in Lydney, the largest town in the area, combined with enhancements to transport links, opposing the creation of new towns due to their environmental impact and doubts over delivering affordable housing.
But Labour councillors have expressed support for the local plan, stressing the urgent need for affordable homes within the district. Labour leader Jacob Sanders noted the party’s awareness of housing shortages and willingness to back new construction to address these needs.
Reform UK members remain firmly opposed to the increased housing targets imposed by the Government and have vowed to resist meeting these levels.
The ongoing process to develop the Forest of Dean Local Plan aims to balance new housing and job creation with the protection of the district’s environmental, historical, and heritage assets.
The plan also aims to limit the expansion of towns and villages to sustainable levels while protecting heritage sites, parks, and town centres.
Achieving a balance between accommodating necessary development and preserving the district’s unique environmental sensitivity remains a key challenge and a source of local debate.
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