Council urges residents to have their say on Forest Plan
The Forest of Dean District Council has launched the next stage of its Local Plan, inviting residents and businesses to take part in a public consultation. The consultation runs from 31 July to 11 September 2025.
Following a Full Council meeting on Thursday 24 July 2025, councillors agreed to move forward with the plan, which will help shape housing, jobs, services, and the environment in the Forest of Dean over the next 20 years.
The new plan aims to:
- Address climate change and protect the natural
environment.
- Provide a range of facilities, employment, and
services.
- Support a strong and sustainable local
economy.
- Improve residents’ wellbeing.
The plan must also meet new government housing targets, with over 13,000 homes needed across the district by 2043—an increase of around 6,000 homes. The consultation presents different options and allows residents to share their views on which options are most suitable for the Forest of Dean.
In-person consultation events
Residents can attend in-person events across the district to learn more about the options and speak directly with council staff. The current schedule is:
- 12 August 2025 – 3pm to 6:30pm, Corse and Staunton
Village Hall, Gloucester Road, Corse, GL19 3RQ
- 13 August 2025 – 3pm to 6:30pm, Cinderford Miners
Hall, Wesley Road, Cinderford GL14 2JN
- 14 August 2025 – 3pm to 6:30pm, Lydney Community
Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney GL15 5AT
- 18 August 2025 – 3pm to 6:30pm, Kings Head Inn,
Birdwood, Nr Huntley, GL19 3EF
- 19 August 2025 – 3pm to 6:30pm, Newent Community
Pavilion, Newent GL18 1QA
- 20 August 2025 – 3pm to 6:30pm, Tidenham Memorial
Hall, Coleford Road, Tutshill, Chepstow NP16 7BN
- 26 August 2025 – 3pm to 6:30pm, Reception, Forest of Dean District Council, High Street, Coleford GL16 8HG
Additional events will be advertised by the council as needed.
How to have your say
Residents can share their views in several ways:
- Online at: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/localplanoptions
- By email to: localplan@fdean.gov.uk
- Or by post to: Forest of Dean District Council, FAO Local Plans Team, High Street, Coleford, GL16 8HG
When submitting responses, please use the heading “Local Plan Consultation Response.”