CONTROVERSIAL plans for a 25-house estate at a former nursery site in Newent will be heard next week.

Forest of Dean planners will discuss the layout, scale and landscaping aspects of the plans to build the housing estate at a former glasshouses site on Southend Lane.

District officers have recommended approving the proposal’s finer details as the development would contribute to the council’s housing supply despite at least nine objections from local residents.

The proposed site includes 10 ‘affordable houses, and would be served by two cul-de-sac entrances and car parking would be provided for each house.

A new sewer would be installed in Southend Lane connecting the site to the mains on Culver Street.

However objectors feel the four-acre site outside of the town’s boundary is inappropriate. The lane is unsuitable for extra traffic and prone to flooding, and it would detract from the rural setting.

Ian Cocks, an objector, said: “My main concern is the state of Southend Lane. It is steadily wearing away with frequent pothole repairs.

“These are very temporary - for instance about 10 holes were filled last week but two more already need filling.

“There will be many heavy vehicles using the lane while this site is developed, and the proposed sewer will interrupt what remains of the surface. When the development is finished, this lane needs completely rebuilding.

“Access to our house needs to be maintained while the sewer is dug. I would also ask the council to make sure that the development is strictly limited to 25 houses.”

Resident Howard Atkins said: “I and my wife object to this development on two grounds.

“That the narrow lane is unsuitable for an increase in traffic that such a development would cause.

“And there is no practical way of improving the lane to support more traffic.

“That the development is inappropriate for a rural area, and would detract from that rural area. We have heard that it is outside the Newent town boundary.”

The housing estate would bring economic benefits to the town and would provide social benefits according to the district council.

And despite being located outside Newent’s settlement boundary the site is included in the allocations plan currently being examined.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The plans will be debated at Forest of Dean District Council offices in Coleford on August 9.