PLANS for a controversial 3,500-home settlement on the edge of the Forest of Dean have been put on hold following widespread opposition from residents, councillors and MPs.

The proposed development, known as Glynchbrook, was earmarked for land at Redmarley as part of the Forest of Dean District Council's draft Local Plan.

However, concerns over its scale, the lack of supporting infrastructure and its potential impact on views of the Malvern Hills sparked a strong backlash.

The plan was criticised by local residents who said villages had not been properly consulted before the proposals were unveiled.

West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin welcomed the decision to shelve the plans, saying she was "relieved to see that common sense has prevailed".

She said constituents had contacted her to express their horror at the proposals and praised councillor Jennie Watkins and Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop for working to oppose the scheme.

Dame Harriett added that Labour's housing targets were forcing councils to produce unpopular plans without local consent and warned that planned local government reorganisation could further reduce residents' influence over future developments.

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The district council will now revisit its Local Plan before publishing revised proposals at a later date.