Forest Edge South
Neighbourhood Plan
Client: West Dean Parish Council
DLP Planning was commissioned by West Dean Parish Council to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for the Forest Edge South area in the Forest of Dean, comprising the villages of Whitecroft, Parkend, Pillowell, Yorkley, Oldcroft and Viney Hill. The client required a comprehensive Neighbourhood Plan to guide future development in the area up to 2041, reflecting local priorities while aligning with strategic policies.
DLP contributed towards delivering a robust evidence base, which included detailed analysis of local housing needs and environmental constraints. A key challenge was balancing future growth with protection of the area's unique forest landscape and heritage. We addressed this by developing policies to focus development within existing settlements while safeguarding important green spaces and community assets. The final plan was shaped by the local community through a comprehensive consultation exercise which included questionnaires, surveys and public events.
The Outcome
The plan successfully passed examination, with the examiner concluding it met the basic conditions subject to minor modifications. Key policies included designating Local Green Spaces, identifying non-designated heritage assets, supporting appropriate infill development, promoting sustainable design, and protecting and enhancing local community facilities. The plan also aims to enhance sustainable transport links and support the local tourism economy.
The Neighbourhood Plan provides West Dean Parish Council with a clear framework to shape future development in Forest Edge South. The client expressed satisfaction with the collaborative approach and robustness of evidence underpinning the policies. The plan will now proceed to referendum, empowering the local community to guide change in their area over the coming decades.
“Working with DLP on our recently completed Neighbourhood Plan was a really excellent experience. The friendly professionalism and quality of the advice given by Kirsten and her colleagues was of the highest order. Our unique cultural and historic backdrop here in the Forest of Dean was quickly understood by them. They helped turn our ideas for policy into working documents fully in line with the local core policy. Our final document was highly recommended by our Inspector as it is easy to follow, read and will stand us in good stead for the future. Thank you.”
The Steering GroupFES, Forest of Dean
