Drivers in the Forest of Dean are being warned to expect a series of temporary road closures this December and January as Gloucestershire County Council carries out essential infrastructure works.

The council has confirmed several closures under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, affecting routes in Hewelsfield, Brockweir, Tidenham, Westbury-on-Severn, Taynton, Coleford, Mitcheldean, and Drybrook parishes. The works include cabling, water connections, drainage, and maintenance projects.

Bailey Lane (Hewelsfield & Brockweir) will close from 9:30am on December 15until 3:30pm on December 19 for underground and overhead cabling works. The closure spans approximately 1,170 metres from Hudnals Cottage westwards. A further short closure on Bailey Lane is planned for 12–13 January 2026 for Severn Trent Water works.

Coleford Road (Tidenham) will shut on 13 December between 8am and 6pm for a new water connection, affecting 125 metres from Boughspring Lane.

In Westbury-on-Severn, the C46 road from Hayden Farm to Strand Lane will close from 15–16 December for Severn Trent maintenance, while Taynton Lane faces restrictions and closures on the same dates for gully works. No stopping, waiting, or loading will be permitted during these works.

Looking ahead to January, St John Street in Coleford will close from 12–14 January for infrastructure upgrades, and Abenhall Road (Mitcheldean) will shut on 13 January for BT Openreach works. Brierley Banks (Drybrook) will close from January 14-19 for National Grid works.

Signed diversion routes will be in place for all closures, and pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained. The council advises motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

For further details, including maps and updates, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk or call Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514.

Forest of Dean District Council has announced several new planning applications, including works affecting listed buildings and conservation areas. Proposals include demolishing an existing conservatory and building a single-storey extension at The Cottage, Main Road, Huntley (Ref: P1461/25/FUL), and converting a detached garage into a one-bedroom guest space at The Cottage, Old Hill, Longhope (Ref: P1456/25/FUL).

Other applications involve installing a wood-burning stove and flue at Spring Cottage, Blaisdon Lane, Longhope (Ref: P1431/25/LBC), and converting a barn into a holiday let at Preecemoor Farm, School Lane, Longhope (Ref: P1442/25/FUL).

Plans can be viewed online at www.fdean.gov.uk or at the council offices in Coleford. Written representations must be submitted by 31 December 2025, and all comments will be publicly available.