Plans to build up to 36 homes on a farm in the Forest of Dean will be debated this week. 

Mr and Mrs Weeks want permission to build the homes at Netherend Farm in Woolaston near Lydney. 

Their proposals include demolishing the existing farmhouse and other farm buildings and creating a new road to access the 2.9-acre site. 

READ UPDATE: Plans approved for 36 homes on site of farmhouse and farm buildings

Consultants working on the scheme say the new estate will draw on and reflect the most distinctive and attractive features of the village. 

The plans include a mixture of two to four bed houses to be sold on the open market and one to four bed affordable homes. 

“The site is well positioned in terms of access and local facilities,” the design and access statement reads. 

“The proposed development has been sensitively designed to be in-keeping with the character and appearance of the village and the surrounding landscape. 

“The principle of development in this location is acceptable and in accordance with the Forest of Dean Allocations Plan Policy.  

“The number of dwellings, the proposed access and the proposed masterplan design are accepted in principle and through the sensitive design of the dwellings, will not have a harmful effect on the immediate setting and the wider character of Woolaston.” 

Five residents have objected to the proposals and have raised concerns over the impact the plans will have on traffic around the nearby school and A48. 

They also say local services such as doctor’s surgery and the school cannot cope with the extra homes and the bus service is inadequate and there are very few employment opportunities in Woolaston. 

They also feel the village’s sewerage system may not be able to cope with the new homes. 

Highways officers say the proposals are in line with planning regulations and would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on road safety. 

Forest of Dean District Council planning officers recommend approving the scheme subject to conditions including a contribution of £144,873.60 for pre-school education, £205,738.24 for secondary education and £7,056 for libraries. 

The district council’s planning committee will consider the proposals on June 8.