Forest of Dean homes approved despite mine shaft concerns

Plans to build 47 village homes have been approved despite concerns children "could fall down nearby mine shafts".

Forest of Dean councillor Dave Wheeler said he was worried about safety near the homes set to be built off Ellwood Road in Milkwall, near Coleford, and asked for mine shafts to be capped.

The proposals had also been opposed by dozens of local residents .

The district council approved the scheme by nine votes in favour to one against, with one abstention.

Mr Wheeler raised concerns regarding "two potentially uncapped iron mine shafts", which children may play in as gardens for the proposed homes are "too small".

"Is there anything we can do to ensure those shafts are capped?" he said.

"A similar situation occurred at Marian's Walk in Berry Hill and I know a well loved pet disappeared down a shaft."

Officers suggested that the issue could be raised with the deputy gaveller, a unique position that exists only in the Forest of Dean to oversee the mining of coal and iron ore.

Ivor Ellis was among the residents who opposed the proposals from K & D James & Martin, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"It would be more unjustifiable urban sprawl into the countryside," he said.

"As for the entrance and exit road, a more dangerous place could not have been chosen with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists exiting onto what is virtually a sunken narrow lane, near a blind bend with no pavement to the south."

Ward councillor Patrick Kyne and councillor Clive Elsmore said they did not like every aspect of the plan but the Forest of Dean needed more housing.

Guy Wakefield, the applicant's agent, said they had worked with council officers over seven months and that the development would contribute dozens of homes towards the housing target, as well as economic benefits.

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