Calls of 'shame on you' as new towns edge closer

There were cries of "shame on you" from residents at a council meeting as plans to build 5,500 new homes edged closer to becoming reality.

About 100 people gathered outside the Forest of Dean District Council offices in Coleford, Gloucestershire, on Thursday night ahead of a meeting over where 12,631 homes could be built as part of the area's Local Plan.

The proposals include a new town at Glynchbrook - near the Ledbury junction of the M50 - and another on the A40 at Churcham.

The proposal to consult on the draft local plan was put to the vote and there was a tie with 18 votes for and against, with chairman Di Martin using her casting vote to approve the proposal.

Before the meeting Tom Burr, from Redmarley near the proposed Glynchbrook site, said residents are in favour of building new homes but that there is a lack of infrastructure and public services.

"It'll be a stress on Gloucester hospital, the A417 is overloaded and it's a floodplain," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"It needs rethinking for more localised building work and smaller development sites spread [across the district]."

The proposed plan also suggests the council aims to meet its government-imposed housing target by building 1,800 homes in Lydney.

1,000 homes are also planned for Newent.

Gillian Kilmurray, councillor for Dymock, received applause from residents in the packed public gallery as she spoke out against the proposals.

"There seems to be a feeling we will build the settlements and the infrastructure will follow," she said.

"We all know that doesn't happen."

Jacob Sanders, councillor for Cinderford West, said it is "essential" a local plan continues to be adopted because, without it, developers could "do whatever they want".

He added consultation on the draft plan will enable everyone to have their say.

Green Party representatives said they were also concerned the council would be unable to control development without a plan.

Adrian Birch, council leader, said the authority was in a "last-chance saloon".

"This decision is not about saying yes to development," he said.

"It's about saying yes to local leadership, democratic involvement, evidence-led decision making and retaining control over the future of our district."

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