The Development Management Committee of Forest of Dean Council was scheduled to consider a range of planning applications, including a significant proposal for a 6km pedestrian and cycling route, the erection of a residential unit for a care home, and the modification of an affordable housing obligation for a new housing development. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the erection of a self-build dwelling and the change of use of land for two holiday accommodation units.

Dean Forest Greenway (P1913/21/FUL)

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the creation of a 6km pedestrian and cycling route, known as the Forest of Dean Gateway, connecting Parkend to Lydney. The route was planned to incorporate existing forest paths and tracks, alongside new sections, improvements, and repairs. The applicant, West Dean Parish Council and Lydney Town Council, had submitted extensive documentation addressing concerns about ancient woodland, ecology, flood risk, and highway safety. However, officers were scheduled to recommend refusal of the application due to insufficient ecological information to demonstrate that the proposal would not adversely affect the integrity of European designated sites, such as the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat SAC¹. Concerns were also raised regarding the loss and deterioration of ancient woodland, insufficient information on protected species, and unresolved highway safety and flood risk issues.

Gatwick House, Westbury (P0137/25/FUL)

A retrospective application was scheduled for consideration regarding the erection of a single-storey residential unit at Gatwick House, a care home and assisted living facility. The unit was intended to be used in connection with the existing care home use, potentially increasing the site's capacity to 15 residents. The application was presented to the committee following a referral by Councillor Simon Phelps², due to objections from the Parish Council and public interest. While officers were scheduled to recommend granting permission, subject to conditions, outstanding drainage matters required further information to be submitted within four months of the permission date.

Land at Gloucester Street, Newent (P0301/26/PLANOB)

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to modify a Section 106 agreement³ related to a mixed-use development at Gloucester Street, Newent. The original agreement, secured following an appeal decision in January 2025, stipulated 40% affordable housing. The applicant initially sought to reduce this to 0% but later amended the request to 11% affordable housing. Officers, following independent viability assessments, were scheduled to recommend delegated authority to agree to the modification to 11% affordable housing, comprising 29 affordable rented units and 12 shared ownership units. This was based on the conclusion that a policy-compliant 40% affordable housing provision was not financially viable for the development to proceed.

Land Adjacent to The Old Canning, Hartpury (P0409/26/FUL)

The erection of a self-build dwelling and associated works at land adjacent to The Old Canning, Gloucester Road, Hartpury was scheduled for discussion. This application was presented as a departure from the Development Plan due to the site's location outside the defined settlement boundary of Hartpury. Officers were scheduled to recommend granting permission, citing the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply⁴ and the site's proximity to the settlement. The proposal was also considered to have potential heritage benefits by reinstating historic built form and enhancing the setting of the nearby Grade II listed building⁵. Conditions were to be attached to secure detailed design, landscaping, and drainage arrangements.

Land West of Hill Farm Cottage, Woodside (P0828/26/FUL)

The committee was scheduled to consider a change of use of land for tourism purposes and the siting of two holiday accommodation units at Land West of Hill Farm Cottage, Woodside. This application was a resubmission following previous refusals due to landscape harm. The revised scheme proposed smaller cabins, reduced height, and enhanced landscape and biodiversity measures. Officers were scheduled to recommend delegated permission, subject to Natural England's concurrence with an Appropriate Assessment⁶ and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement⁷ for biodiversity monitoring. While acknowledging some localised harm to the countryside character, officers considered the benefits of rural tourism, economic contributions, and significant biodiversity enhancements to outweigh the identified harm.