LOCAL people are calling for an urgent assessment of services in Tidenham, following approval of plans to build over 250 new homes in the parish.

The call comes after Forest of Dean District Council lost its judicial review of the decision by Government inspectors to allow the construction of nearly 100 houses in Tutshill despite strong local objections.

Tidenham parish councillor (TPC) Nick Evans said: “The Forest of Dean District Council lost two planning appeals against developments in Sedbury and Tutshill and approved a further development that was included in the council’s allocations plan.

“The scale of proposed development has led to concerns from TPC that schools, roads, public transport and health services in the area will reach breaking point, as such a large number of houses are being built in such a short period of time.

“The parish is calling for both the district and county councils to examine the capacity and suitability of infrastructure in the parish to ensure that people living in the area, and those who move in to the new developments, are not disadvantaged.”

Gladman Developments are responsible for the largest development in Tutshill, although they don’t currently own the land on which they have been given permission to build.

Nick said: “Gladman have an agreement with the current owners. Gloucesterhire County Council also own part of the land because they had planned to build a school on the land.”

Tutshill and Tidenham Action group (TTAG) also raised concerns about the infrastructure in nearby Chepstow, as did Chepstow Town Council (CTC). Although a protocol between local authorities is believed to have prevented Monmouth­shire County Council from formally objecting to the developments, TTAG and the town council raised concerns about the impact on the air quality management area on Hardwick Hill. 

Nick added: “Monmouthshire County Council, the local English and Welsh health boards as well as the emergency services will also be invited to take part in the review.

“There is a very real danger that residents in Sedbury and Tutshill could be left to deal with services at breaking point. The district and county councils need to work together urgently and ensure the expected increase in population can be accommodated. If not, they need to set out a clear plan and timescale to improve capacity.”