Forest of Dean new homes plan is refused

A bid to build 80 homes on the outskirts of a Gloucestershire town have been refused due to concerns over a lack of public transport links.

Forest of Dean District Council rejected Lantar Developments Ltd's plan for the new estate in Lydney on Wednesday.

Lydney Town Council opposed the scheme, as well as more than 380 people.

Representing the applicant at the council meeting, Matt Tyas said people could travel from the site by walking and public transport, adding said the Robin service offered connections to the town centre.

The proposal would have seen half of the homes be affordable, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Objectors raised concerns the homes, proposed for more than five acres of land north of Grove Lane in Allaston, would lead to a loss of open space.

The committee's chairman, Dave Wheeler, said it was not a sustainable location for houses.

He said public transport links were “at least a bike’s ride away” and pointed out that getting down to Lydney was fine but getting back up the hill is very difficult.

“Traipsing up that hill is a very long slog,” he said.

Councillor Simon Phelps said he had reservations but added the council could not demonstrate a five year housing land supply.

He feared refusal would lead to an appeal from the developer.

Mr Tyas said Lydney is the location where new homes are expected to be built to meet the housing needs for the Forest of Dean.

“The application comes at a time when the council has a significant five year housing supply shortfall,” he said. “And a high level of affordable housing need in Lydney.”

He said the development included homes for first-time buyers along with bungalows and rental properties.

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