DESPITE gaining planning permission to build more than 1,000 homes in Lydney, a major developer has no immediate plans to build.

Robert Hitchins Ltd gained planning permission in 2008 and 2010 from the Forest of Dean District Council for a 1,082 home scheme – which was also set to include a neighbourhood centre, school sites and a supermarket.

The sites, near the Lydney Bypass, were split into one area of 332 houses – referred to as 'Lydney A' and another of 750 – 'Lydney B'.

Previously, it was agreed that 20 per cent of the first site of 332 homes would have to be affordable and 30 per cent at the other.

Hitchins successfully appealed, claiming such percentages of affordable housing were too high.

However, in an email sent to the Forest of Dean District Council on September 25, Phil Hardwicke, planning manager at Robert Hitchins, states: "To date, despite endeavours on our part, we have had no interest in this site from a national builder given its secondary location and slow sales rate."

For the full story, read The Forester.