The Forest of Dean will gain hundreds of new jobs and millions of pounds in investment after plans to transform two key employment sites were backed by councillors on Tuesday 12th February.

The district council's planning committee has approved two proposals to bring new modern employment space and improved access to the former Northern United Colliery site and Forest Vale Industrial Park, near Cinderford town centre.

The decisions are expected to unlock around 300 jobs and bring in about £11m in investment in the Northern Quarter project, to add to the £60m partners have already secured for Cinderford’s wider regeneration programme.

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The outline planning applications submitted by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) are set to deliver:

•Around 11,000 sq m of new office and employment space at the Northern United site. Nearly 40 business units are proposed and there is potential to create a new facility linked to the area’s mining heritage. Full planning permission was also granted to create an improved entrance to the site from the A4136.

•Two new purpose-built buildings at Forest Vale Industrial Park, which would provide 2,800 sq m of employment space. Improvements along Newtown Road and its junction with Broadmoor Road are also planned to provide better access to the site.

A separate planning application to deliver the £10.5m Northern Quarter Spine Road project is expected to be made to the district council in June.

As part of the planning agreements, the HCA will take stringent measures to protect species of newt, bat, dormice and other wildlife identified by its team of ecologists. Measures will include new 'hotels' and special lighting for bats and proposals to move other animals to suitable replacement habitats nearby. These measures are expected to cost around £50,000.

(CD/GK)