Controversial plan for new towns with over ten thousand homes on A417 and A40 opposed by MP

Summary

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop is against plans for thousands of homes at Churcham and Redmarley

Details

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop pictured (inset, centre) is opposed to building thousands of homes in Glynchbrook (pictured) and Churcham. (Image: Submitted) News

Carmelo Garcia Local democracy reporter

A Gloucestershire MP has come out in strong opposition to plans to build two new towns in a bid to meet a 13,200 housing target. Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop says he does not support a development blueprint which would see 3,500 homes built off the A417 in Glynchbrook in Redmarley and 2,000 properties off the A40 at Churcham. The Labour politician agrees that houses are needed but he believes the strategy being pursued by Forest of Dean District Council risks placing unacceptable pressure on local services and roads. However, the Green Party leaders at the District Council feel they have been left with few alternatives after the Labour Government decided to almost double their housing target last year. If adopted, the new local plan will set out where development can take place in the Forest of Dean over the next 20 years. Mr Bishop said he chose to remain neutral during the consultation on the draft local plan to ensure residents’ voices were heard clearly. But he has now issued a statement against the strategy. “On an issue that will shape our communities for generations, it is right that the people of the Forest of Dean lead that conversation,” he said. View 6 Images

The draft local plan proposes 2000 homes south of the A40 in Churcham. (Image: FoDDC) “Local plans are the responsibility of Forest of Dean District Council, and it is for them to bring forward a plan that reflects the needs of our communities. “In recent weeks, I have listened carefully, met with residents across the area, and carried out site visits to understand the potential impact of these proposals. What I have heard-and seen-has been consistent. “We do need new homes in the Forest of Dean. But this is not the right way to deliver them. Development must be driven by genuine need-not treated as a tick-box exercise. “I do not support the current strategy being pursued, particularly the scale and concentration of development in areas such as Churcham and Glynchbrook in Redmarley. View 6 Images

More than 50 residents attended a parish council meeting at Churcham Primary School earlier this year opposing plans for a new town. (Image: Submitted) “This approach risks placing unacceptable pressure on infrastructure and local services. Roads, healthcare, schools, and community services must come first. Without that, development risks undermining the very communities it is meant to support. “Residents have been clear. We need a better, fairer approach-one that reflects real need and shares development more evenly across the Forest of Dean. “That means the right homes, in the right places, with a stronger focus on social and affordable housing for those who need it most. View 6 Images

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop pictured with residents holding a placard saying “Right homes. Wrong site” at a United Against Glynchbrook meeting. (Image: Submitted) “The responsibility for bringing forward a local plan sits with the current Green administration at Forest of Dean District Council. “It was right that councillors, including Labour members, supported the consultation process to ensure residents’ voices were heard. “The proposals were developed by the current Green administration, which is responsible for responding to the concerns raised. View 6 Images

A map showing the full extent of the proposed new town off the Ledbury junction of the M50 at Redmarley (Image: Redmarley Parish Council.) “I will continue to work with the Council-and challenge where necessary-to ensure that need, fairness, and infrastructure are at the heart of the final plan. “I will also continue to raise your concerns at national level, particularly where infrastructure, funding, and housing delivery depend on Government support. “We need a local plan that is shaped by local needs and backed by the right infrastructure-delivering the right homes, in the right places, for the people who need them most.” View 6 Images

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