LYDNEY should take much of the development in the Forest over the next two decades, making it a “true gateway” to the Dean.
The Forest Council’s Cabinet is tomorrow (Thursday) expected to approve its draft Local Plan to go out to consultation.
The headline figure for new housing is around 7,000 up to 2041 – but some 40 per cent of that has already been identified.
The councill had originally suggested a new village of thousands of homes near Huntley but abandoned that idea after a public backlash.
The revised plan seeks to disperse development around the district with the key role for Lydney.
Council leader Tim Gwilliam (Progressive Independents, Berry Hill) said: “Lydney is going to be the main focus, because of what is already there and the opportunities to build in Lydney.
“It’s the opening of the envelope but also growth within Coleford and Cinderford and Newent.
“Through ‘Our Plan’ we want to look at the benefits that genuine regeneration alongside sustainable, viable and complementary development can bring to our communities, to businesses, to schools and other organisations.
He said the plan was not just about meeting housing targets but driving opportunities for the Forest including more jobs.
“We have to have this plan, we have to deliver against the Government’s housing targets, that is what is mandated.
“But, if we can do this as a community, and make sure that the plan is one we have driven, we have a chance to make it our own.
“Part of this plan is creating enough job opportunities so people don’t have to travel.
“We don’t want them travelling – I don’t want people spending their lunch money in Bristol I want them spending it in Lydney or Coleford.”
He said he had already written to town and parish councils with a view to tapping into local knowledge for appropriate sites for development – and he wants others in the community to get involved in developing the plan
He said: “We want the communities to come forward to see if this is a goer.
“I think it is and I think we can prove it is.
“There is only a point in consultation if you are going to listen to what you are being told.
“I think this is a huge opportunity for the Forest of Dean.
“I don’t want this plan to be just about reaching our numbers for the housing.
“I want us to use this plan as the opportunity it should be. Let’s make it a proper community local plan.”
The plan envisages the realisation of existing commitments and mixed development on new land in Lydney as well as making better connections to nearby communities
At Newent there would be the development of land to support a “mixed use” site, to include improvements to circulation and transport and complementary facilities to the centre
There would also be redevelopment for mixed uses and regeneration of land at Beachley Camp.
The plan also supports sustainable mixed use developments at major villages and towns and at selected villages.
The plan provides for a range of employment and educational opportunities and ensures the policies and proposals support and encourage a strong local economy.
If the Cabinet agrees the plan, it will go out to public consultation from Monday, July 25.