Bid to build 180 homes recommended for approval

A decision is set to be made on a fresh bid to build 180 homes in a small Gloucestershire market town.

Gladman Developments Ltd, a developer, wants to build the new estate in Mitcheldean, Forest of Dean.

A separate application to build 125 homes on the land, north of Carisbrook Road, was refused in 2019 because it was "unsustainable development in the countryside," a council report said.

Forest of Dean District Council officers have recommended that the new proposal is approved when councillors meet on Tuesday.

According to a council report, 297 people objected to the plans, raising concerns about schools being "full" and the population being "doubled".

Of the 180 homes, about 70 would be affordable housing and a mix of one-bed flats and three-bed homes, the plans said.

According to a design and access statement submitted by the developer, the proposals also include a children's play area, public open space and new road access.

The document said the plans are "a carefully considered and sensitively designed new neighbourhood".

Council officers said in the report that the development's "adverse impacts would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits".

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