Plans for 140 new homes in Coleford have been delayed until March, as developers seek more time to address concerns raised by the council and locals.
Coleford: So, there’s been a bit of a hold-up with the plans for those 140 homes. Freeman Homes wanted to build on some land at Poolway Farm, but the decision has been pushed back to March.
The Forest of Dean District Council was supposed to discuss it on January 21. But the chairman, Dave Wheeler, announced that the application was taken off the agenda. It seems the developers asked for more time to sort things out.
They’re worried about some conditions the council suggested and need to think more about the concerns raised during a recent site visit. Plus, there’s the issue of great crested newts that they need to consider.
Clive Reynolds, the Development Control Manager, said he thought it was best to give everyone more time to chat about the proposal. He hopes they can come to an agreement before the next meeting on March 11, 2025.
The plans include building homes, creating road access, and keeping some green space. They want to keep Poolway Farmhouse but tear down some old farm buildings.
Coleford Town Council is on board with the idea of housing there, but they have some worries about traffic. They think the roundabout access is super important and are concerned about the location of a gas governor.
Some locals have also voiced their concerns. They’re worried about how the new homes might affect local services and whether the estate will fit in with the area. But the consultants say this development is crucial for providing more housing.
