The End of The Forest as we know it

At around 8:40 p.m. on November 13th, the Forest of Dean began a process that would change it forever.

It was then, in the chamber of the FODDC, that 15 Green Councillors, 4 Labour Councillors and 1 Lib Dem Councillor won a vote that committed and approved the development of 2 new settlement towns, one in the Churcham area and one near Redmarley.

It is unlikely the new settlements will provide any affordable social housing due to the costs involved in building new towns. And that's before any Green-inspired building requirements or any thought is given to the horrendous travel issues already faced by commuters trying to get into Gloucester and Chepstow every single day.

The Leader didn't even know if the plan was achievable, didn't know that the Army Barracks site at Beachley, a key part of the entire plan, was no longer available and stated that he wanted flats to be built in the Forest to house the elderly

It didn't have to happen; a previous plan that proposed incremental and shared growth and housing delivery in current towns and villages would have delivered the vast number of homes required. Indeed, by creating a real Forest of Dean Capital and Gateway to the Forest in Lydney, we would have brought in investment, ensuring that the correct infrastructure was delivered to right previous planning wrongs for our towns, while at the same time ensuring that the Forest was not only sustainable but thriving. This plan was deliverable; it would have taken some work but it was deliverable, do not be misled otherwise.

It could even have assisted in sorting the bridge crossing and Chepstow travel problems as well as dealing with the madness that is travel into Gloucester every weekday morning

Instead, we face the prospect of what has been the long-term aim of the FOD Greens, super eco villages, something they have been trying to get in the Forest of Dean for 8 years.

When we add in Biosphere Reserve status, the Forest of Dean is, from today, a Green Party experimental zone. 

An entire district to test their theories and ideology.To promote their party and their views.Aimed at showcasing the GREEN WAY, how things should be according to them, how you should live.

We can only hope that when built, the twin towns of Birchland and Macfarlingville will deliver what the Forest of Dean needs.

But it won't be the Forest of Dean as we all know it.

That Forest of Dean disappeared at 8.40 pm