WEST DEAN PARISH COUNCIL

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

forest2

A Neighbourhood Plan (NP) is a document which relates to land use and planning issues. It is produced by people in the community for their community. This was previously called a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP)

Forest Edge South covers these Forest of Dean villages –  Parkend, Yorkley, Pillowell, Oldcroft & Viney Hill and Whitecroft and is the vision for planning, policies, land allocation and also defining specific facilities for each distinct area which will be reflected in the final plan.

When it has gone through all the required stages, including examination and referendum, the NP becomes a statutory document. It will be referred to when planning applications are received for the geographic area covered by the Plan.

 

Regulation 14 Public Consultation on the Draft Neighbourhood Plan 

Public commenting has now closed  

The Steering group would like to thank everyone who has downloaded the documents, attended the public session , submitted a response or shared your thoughts and comments in other ways.
 
These will now be considered by the steering group and our planners and added to the final plan which will be submitted to FODDC for their input. There will be further public consultation organised by FODDC and then it will go to a referendum of all residents in the Forest Edge South designated area.
Many thanks.

 

THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION HAS NOW FINISHED BUT THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE  DRAFT PLAN or under the Draft Plan tab on this page.  

"The three public consultation events were well attended. We are grateful to all those who left comments on Post-its for our consideration. All those comments have been collated under the relevant themes and policies.  We have added a response highlighting where in the documents the points you've raised are covered or actions the Steering Group can take to make alterations following your feedback. You can view the comments here  DRAFT PLAN (Public Responses)
 
A lot of what was commented on or suggested falls outside the scope of a Neighbourhood Plan. But the points are valid and reflect the way the Forest is changing and being impacted upon. You will find these listed in a separate column.  We will produce a report and send it on to the relevant local authority or statutory body best placed to consider them.  There were also many comments about things such as public transport, impact on the Forest from visitors/mountain bikers and more. These too fall outside the scope of the Neighbourhood Plan but will be passed onto the local council bodies for their consideration. 
 
Thank you, everyone, for your support and interest. "
 

Recorded Webinar with DLP our consultant planners - This gives a clear understanding of the Neighbourhood Plan process - click this link to

view https://tinyurl.com/2h775dct 

fesnp final1fesnp final2

All documents are available to download here DRAFT PLAN or under the Draft Plan tab on this page. Some files are quite large and all documents were available to inspect at the public consultation session.

Flyers were distributed to all FESNP homes. Residents were encouraged to come to the open sessions to see what has been achieved and share their comments.The same information will be available at all locations so come to any regardless of where you live.    

 

 

CAN YOU HELP? 

1. Dean Forest Greenway - a safe multi-use off-road route between    Parkend and Lydney

Have a look at the planning application and make your comments at 

https://www.fdean.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-permission/view-planning-applications/ with the reference P1913/21/FUL.

 

2. Green Open Spaces - Why is an Open Space important ?

Access to a network of high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities, and can deliver wider benefits for nature and support efforts to address climate change.
 
The Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC) Local plan identifies already allocated areas but we would like to hear of other areas to be added.
 
The Local Green Space designation should only be used where the green space is:
 (a) in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves;
 (b) demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value     including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and
 (c) local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.
 
Please share your suggestions of open spaces and what it is currently used for; it might only be a meeting place for a group or sportsfield etc
Many thanks

 

3. Creating a landscape character assessment 

  • If you like taking photos, or know where the little details are that make our area so unique, or walk the paths that only locals use - we could use your expertise.  

  • What does your village look like as you approach it (from all directions)?

  • Where are the first places you can see the village (walking or driving)?

  • Where are the best views of the Church, chapel, school etc. from?

  • Where do the paths lead and how do you get round on foot or bike?

  • Can you map the ironworks (drain covers etc.) especially if they show local companies?

  • Can you produce a route through the village safely on foot and suitable for visitors with things to look for?

  • Is there a safe off-road route between each village?

  • Do you have a special view from your garden that can’t be seen from the road?

If you are interested please send a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ring Sharon 01594 562187, Elaine 01594 563479 or Steve 01594 562638 

 

NDP focus areas

The NDP focuses on shaping the new development needs of our area in a positive and sustainable manner.

It contains maps, lists and policies relating to practical things such as:

• provision of walking and cycling routes

• design of buildings

• tourism 

• traffic management

• identification of sites for housing and facilities

• affordable housing

• sustainable and adaptable housing

• flood management

• local green spaces e.g. wildlife, recreation and landscape areas,  new allotments

Proposals for a Dean Forest Greenway from Parkend to Lydney
West Dean Parish Council together with Greenways and Cycleroutes Limited October 2020

Outline of proposal with Location Plangreenway map

The Dean Forest Greenway Project runs for 5.8kms from its start near the Fountain Inn at Parkend to its end on the Co-Op path in Lydney.

The Greenway will be built to the same standard as the family trail at Beechenhurst and will be designed to provide a safe and attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists connecting Lydney to the heart of the Forest of Dean.

The route will be traffic free over its whole length, save for 3 road crossings, and will be designed with easy gradients to be suitable for those with wheelchairs. At Norchard a bridge over the railway will provide a link from the Greenway to the station.

The project is being promoted by West Dean Parish Council and is designed and managed by Greenways and Cycleroutes who also designed the Chepstow and Tintern Wye Valley Greenway which opened Easter 2021.

                                    

Community Consultation Open Days     

    ndpbanner logo

 A series of open days were held in 2019.

These took place in Parkend Memorial Hall, Yorkley Community Centre and Whitecroft Memorial Hall.

Visitors were able to see the accumulated work carried out to investigate Housing, The Arts, Transport, Business and Economy, Health, Wellbeing and Community Organisations. 

At each venue, surveys were distributed, completed and collated about what people thought of the area and what their priorities were. This consultation has helped to create the structure for the NDP.based on comments received. 

Click here to view the Community consultation summary report

 We were hoping to continue these but Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have stopped group meetings.

We will be using social media and other means to engage with the community.

parkend1 Parkend Memorial Hall whitecroft3 Whitecroft Memorial Hall yorkley1 Yorkley Community Centre

What have we achieved so far

The community have helped by taking on various tasks, filling in surveys, being part of the steering group and helping to produce our draft policies.

Surveys

What did people think about business and community activities?

 See more

Meetings

Check out the minutes from Steering Group  meetings           

See more

Planners 

 We have engaged DLP to help us write the Draft Plan.

Aecom are carrying out the Housing Needs Survey

and Design Code assessment on behalf of Locality. 

See what other things DLP have done.

Character Assessments

Local people joined steering group members to carry out an

activity where styles, landscape, buildings, streetscape,

roads etc of each village were recorded with photo evidence.

 See more

 

  What do people have to say?

What is important to you about our villages?

   ★★★★★

"I love living in Yorkley. I have lived here all my life. I love the closeness of the woods where you can take lovely walks. Having the community centre and park which is greatly improved for the small children. It’s a quiet place and people are friendly. We have a good health centre, school and post office."

★★★★★

 "The forest is a unique, beautiful place to live. It is quiet, the wildlife is special, the green areas, and range of house styles/locations all contribute to the overall wonderful place. Also villagers are mostly friendly and if one wishes to get involved in local groups, activities etc. you can easily make new friends and acquaintances."

 ★★★★★

"The people, the community - much of what is available to take part in or join. The environment is stunning - no need to get in a car to be able to experience the forest can do it on foot or on push bike." 

  ★★★★★

"This area is calm and relaxing. The birds are chirping and lots of fresh air and the grown- ups sit on the bench."

Primary School student

 ★★★★★

"The woods are lovely and I love going outside in the fresh air. I enjoy the things you can do in this area. To be honest, I don't reallywant much to change.The forest is amazing!!!"

Primary School student

 CONTACT


Facebook logo       email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.