A bid to build three “cramped” homes in a Berry Hill have been given the go-ahead despite concerns.

The part retrospective proposals to build to demolish the existing bungalow a 32 Tudor Walk in Berry Hill near Coleford were approved at a recent planning meeting.

The scheme includes the construction of two-storey homes with parking and rear gardens on the 0.053 hectare site.

Concerns were raised during the Forest of Dean District Council’s development management committee meeting.

Councillor John Francis (I, Longhope and Huntley) said he was concerned the access around the house to the gardens was just 650mm on one side of the plot and 850mm on the other side.

He said he would be more comfortable if the plans were for semi-detached homes.

“It does seem rather shoehorned in to the actual site,” he said.

Councillor Patrick Kyne (L, Coleford) said more homes are needed in the Forest but felt it was too much housing on too small a space.

“I would like to see two terraced houses there rather than three,” he said. “I just think it’s too tight.”

These views were echoed by several other councillors.

And Councillor Beth Llewelyn (G, Bream) attempted to propose refusing the proposals on the grounds the development was deemed too large for the plot of land.

Officers said they understood the councillors’ concerns but they needed clear planning reasons to refuse permission.

Chairman Dave Wheeler (G, Newland and Sling) said: “Listening to everything people are saying possible reasons for refusal might be that the living conditions of the built proposal would be such that they would form cramped living conditions of the new houses.”

He said it would also lead to increased overlooking of neighbour’s properties due to the overdevelopment of the site.

But officers said the homes were not built below the appropriate standard.

Cllr Francis asked if the proposals could be deferred for plans to be withdrawn and resubmitted but officers advised against it.

He later proposed accepting the officer’s recommendation to grant permission due to the lack of reasons to refuse it.

Cllr Wheeler said: “For the record, it is clear to me the committee are not happy with this application but after consultation with the officers there is no good planning reason to refuse it.”

The committee voted to approve the plans with seven votes in favour, one against and one abstention.