New homes in Forest of Dean get the green light

Plans to build 80 homes in a small Forest of Dean village were given the go-ahead yesterday.

Developer Freeman Homes was granted permission to build the new 80-home estate in Newnham – a village with a population of more than 1200.

Of the 80 homes, 12 will be affordable and another 12 will only be available for residents older than 55, according to a council document.

Councillors on Forest of Dean District Council’s planning committee backed the developed yesterday by a majority of nine.

Some councillors were concerned over pupils from nearby St Peter’s CofE Primary School sharing the same road as cars while walking to and from the development.

However, a representative of Gloucestershire County Council’s highways department said the path could be re-located north of the development where pupils would be safer.

The types of homes range from eight one-bed apartments, two two-bed apartments, 13 2-bed houses, 26 3-bed homes, 28 4-bed houses and three 5-bed houses.

Newham Parish Council had objected to the age restriction of over-55s, arguing it was “divisive”.

According to a design and access statement, a public consultation held by the developer found new homes for over-55s and first-time buyers were identified as “desirable”.