COUNCIL Leader Tim Gwilliam is urging people to work with the authority on the development of the district’s new local plan.

Consultation on the revised draft, which includes plans to build 7,440 homes across the district by 2041, is now underway, having been approved by the cabinet on July 21.

Cllr Gwilliam says gathering the views of local residents, communities and businesses is “vital” if the council is to ensure that future development in the Forest is both “sustainable and viable”.

Building the majority of the new homes in Lydney, Beachley and Newent is the council’s second preferred option, after plans to build a new settlement near Churcham were parked following previous consultation.

The draft suggests Lydney will get more than 1,300 extra homes, Newent and Beachley will each get 600, and Cinderford and Coleford will grow by an extra 100 homes each.

The strategy has been criticised by opposition councillors in recent weeks, with Conservative group leader Cllr Harry Ives calling it “complete madness” because of the current lack of infrastructure to support the new homes.

Cllr Gwilliam says the strategy, dubbed ‘Our Plan’, has the potential to “right the wrongs of the past” in terms of local development.

He said: “Our Plan cannot just involve the Cabinet or Councillors. It can’t just be about the planning department. It can’t just be about houses and it can’t just be about Forest of Dean District Council. 

“Our Plan needs input from everyone across the Forest, including developers, businesses and all local organisations too.

“Our Plan needs to be different, it can be that catalyst, it can right the wrongs of the past and make sure the future is not only better but also sustainable and viable.” 

The consultation process began on Monday (August 1) and will run for eight weeks.

Residents have the chance to provide their thoughts both online and in person at various community drop-in events across the Forest.

Cllr Gwilliam continued: “I’m excited about the opportunity Our Plan gives us, not only in Lydney where creating a true Gateway to the Forest can make such a difference to the entire Forest of Dean, but throughout the whole district. We can create sustainable, vibrant places and towns. 

“This can’t be done without you all, without you being enthused about really making sustainable, viable plans for a future that protects the environment and addresses the climate emergency, celebrates our culture and heritage, provides homes and opportunities and above all gives Forest people pride and choice in their area. 

“Without all of you embracing these things we will fail. Your ideas, your views and your input are vital. Our very special district deserves a very special plan.

“It deserves a plan worked on and developed by people like you, who live and breathe the district, or work for its betterment every day.

“By working together we can achieve such a plan. Our Plan.”

For more information about the plan and consultation, go to www.fdean.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-policy/get-involved.