Concerns about flood risk for new town in Forest of Dean
Residents urge council to reconsider plans to build at Glynchbrook
Residents in the Forest of Dean are calling on the District Council to drop plans for a 3,000-home town at Glynchbrook, citing serious concerns over flood risk.
The council’s own assessment of the 113.8-hectare site revealed multiple floodzones throughout the land, sparking opposition from residents living in nearby Lowbands, such as retired residents Phil Waring and Louise Bennett.
Mr Waring, 66, said he supported creating new houses but believes this location is not viable and is unsuitable due to potential flooding.
“I’m astounded that the council is considering a whole new town in an area that its own report revealed would dramatically increase the risk of flooding,” Mr Waring said.
Mrs Bennett, a former NHS dental nurse aged 59, raised additional concerns about the lack of transport links and local schools in the area, calling the proposals “the wrong location.”
The Forest of Dean District Council’s report found that floodzones two and three pass through the heart of Glynchbrook, areas with either a medium or high probability of flooding. The report also noted the site is “unlikely to meet sustainability assessment criteria as assessed.”
Despite this, the council has not ruled out pursuing plans for development on the site, stating that no decisions have been made and all options are set for discussion in January.
The District Council’s housing quota, set by the government, was increased to 600 new dwellings a year starting from December 2024. To meet the target, council members are considering creating new towns and expanding existing ones.
A Forest of Dean District Council spokesperson said:
“Work is continuing on the council’s Local Plan to assess a range of potential sites to meet the required housing numbers. No sites have been fully agreed at this stage, and further work and discussion will take place in January, when all options will be considered by the council."
The council added that sites will undergo technical assessments, including consideration of flood risks, and any development would need to meet planning and environmental standards with measures to mitigate flood risk and provide infrastructure.