Flooding fears over A417 new town plan

Flooding fears over A417 new town plan - all you need to know - Gloucestershire LiveSkip to main content[1]

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There are also fears about views being spoiled

All you need to know about A417 town plan with 3,000 homes that sparked serious flooding fears

1. Serious Flooding Concerns Plans to build a new 3,000-home town at Glynchbrook have sparked significant backlash due to major flooding risks. Residents are increasingly worried that the development could cause "chaos" for the surrounding areas.
2. Contradictory Council Findings The Forest of Dean District Council's own assessment identified multiple "floodzones" throughout the 113.8-hectare site. Despite these findings, the council has not yet officially ruled the location out of its strategic plans.
3. Lack of Essential Infrastructure Critics point out that the proposed site is notably "cut off" from vital public services and transport.

   There are currently no secondary schools nearby and the area lacks a dedicated railway line to support a new population.

4. Strategic Location Details The Glynchbrook site is situated off the A417, positioned between the M50 motorway and the village of Redmarley. Developers originally envisioned it as a "visionary" gateway connecting Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire.
5. Increased Housing Targets New government mandates have forced local politicians to double their housing targets from 330 to 600 dwellings per year. To meet these quotas, the council is exploring the creation of entirely new settlements from scratch.
6. Alternative Sites Suggested Furious locals have urged the council to consider more suitable alternatives such as Coleford or Lydney.

   Reports suggest that a different site in neighbouring Churcham is more likely to meet the criteria for safe building.

7. Impact on the Natural Landscape Residents have also expressed fears that the massive development would spoil the scenic views of the nearby Malvern Hills. The site is currently surrounded by conservation areas that locals argue should be protected from urban sprawl.
8. Upcoming Final Decision The District Council's cabinet is scheduled to meet in January 2026 to decide whether to pursue this specific plan. Until then, officials maintain that no sites have been fully agreed upon and further technical discussions will occur.
9. Full story: A417 town plan with 3,000 homes sparks serious flooding fears[2]

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References

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