IT seems like only weeks ago, but one of the first tranches of the Forest's biggest housing developments is nearly finished.

The development, formerly surrounding the Federal Mogul site, is named Oakdale (although at the Review we're unsure how many oaks there are on the former industrial site).

Nevertheless: "Kier Partnership Homes (KPH), in partnership with MMC2 and Bromford – central England's leading affordable housing provider – is pleased to announce Oakdale, its forthcoming exciting new development of two, three and four-bedroom homes at Lydney, Gloucestershire, is available to buy, part own, or rent.

"Situated on the site of the former Lydney golf course, accessed just off the Lydney bypass, these stunning new homes are part of an exciting development project to build 1,800 new homes in this area. In an ideal location for family living, each new home at Oakdale is designed and built to the high standard expected from Kier Partnership Homes.

"Lydney High Street has everything you might want for daily living, with a range of traditional shops and four well attended schools. There is an abundance of sports and leisure activities, including a lake, skate park and outdoor swimming pool. Lydney is a popular tourist destination, with many attractions: Lydney Harbour, Dean Forest Railway, Taurus Crafts and the Roman settlement at Lydney Park Estate, to name but a few."

This is the first part of what will be a major transformation of Lydney. Whether new primary schools or leisure facilities will be built as part of the planning agreements, remains to be seen.