Decision delayed on plans for 140 homes in town

A decision on plans to build 140 homes in a Gloucestershire town has been postponed until March.

Freeman Homes wants to develop land at Poolway Farm in Gloucester Road, Coleford.

Its scheme was due to be debated by the Forest of Dean District Council's development management committee on Tuesday.

But the applicant, who has raised concerns over some of the recommended conditions, has requested a time extension.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Freeman Homes wished to have time to consider further the issue of great crested newts as well as concerns raised by council members following a site visit.

Development control manager Clive Reynolds said in an email to the committee he had withdrawn the item from the meeting to allow for further discussion.

"Hopefully an agreement [can] be reached upon the conditions to be recommended with further clarity on issues that members have raised," he wrote.

The "likely date" for the application to return to the committee was at its 11 March meeting, he said.

The proposals seek full planning permission to build the new homes along with road access, footways, parking, drainage and open space. It would also involve demolishing redundant farm buildings.

If approved, the new estate would have 53 two bed homes, 34 three bedroom houses, 37 four bedroom properties along with 12 two bed flats. Twelve of the properties are proposed to be offered to people aged over 55.

Coleford Town Council objected to the plans because of highways concerns and the location of gas infrastructure.

Sixteen people also raised concerns including over the impact new homes will have on local services and that the estate would be out of keeping with the area.

Consultants working on the scheme said the development would provide much needed housing.

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