By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to build 140 homes in a Gloucestershire market town are up for debate again next week.
Freeman Homes want permission to build a mixture of houses on more than 18 acres of land at Poolway Farm off Gloucester Road, Coleford.
The proposed development includes a range of two, three, four and five bedroom homes.
The proposals would see the historic farmhouse retained while redundant farm buildings around it would be demolished to make way for new homes.
The plans were considered by the Forest of Dean District Council’s development management committee in October.
Councillors voted to give delegated authority to officers to grant permission subject to securing a legal agreement for £37,440 to be provided towards library services, a new roundabout and future management of public open space on site.
This also included a review clause regarding the viability of the site after 80 per cent of the homes are occupied and enhancement areas including the replacement bat roost.
However, the applicant now proposes to add clauses stating that a viability review will not be required and no affordable housing contribution will be payable if the development is completed within four years from the start of construction.
Or if the owners provide no less than 56 affordable homes on or before the occupation of 112 homes (80 per cent).
A report to be presented to the committee next week says a three year exemption period was first proposed when the December development management committee schedule was drafted.
Officers have recommended that councillors grant delegate permission as the proposal’s benefits outweigh its negative impact and the district is in need of new homes.
Councillors will consider the latest proposals at the development management committee on January 20.