Charles Church – the sister brand of Persimmon Homes – has secured planning permission for the development of 70 new high quality homes in Lydney.

The developer should begin construction on the Bishops Mead site in the new year, investing over £2.1m in local infrastructure, economic development, and public services in the process.

This is the third phase of Persimmon's wider development in Lydney, and will see 28 properties transferred to a local housing association partner, representing a significant 40 per cent of all dwellings – ranging from one-bed apartments to four-bed homes – helping to dent the Forest of Dean's 2,130-strong housing waiting list.

Environmental and placemaking features for the site include a parkland setting, public green open spaces, mature planting, bird nesting and bat roosting sites, and prospective wildlife buffer zones. All homes granted permission will be around 30 per cent more energy efficient than existing housing stock.

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Further community benefits at Bishops Mead include £100,000 for the District Council to spend on the Severn Estuary and new health centre in Lydney and around £500,000 for Gloucestershire County Council to fund primary education, libraries, and the local travel plan.

A future pedestrian link is to be delivered across Naas Lane while highways, verges, and footpaths will be offered for adoption to the County Council as the Local Highways Authority when completed. The land was allocated for housing in the District Council's local plan.

Commenting, East Wales Land Director Adam Ryan said: "We're delighted to have secured a resolution to grant full planning permission for our new phase at Bishops Mead in Lydney, as we continue to provide much needed, high quality homes for local people.

"Alongside the delivery of housing at Bishops Mead, we are proud to be investing over £2.1m in the area – including funding for a health centre, primary education, and transport provision – leaving a positive and lasting legacy for the community.

"The benefits of the scheme are also present in the employment opportunities created in construction, the council tax bills that will generate revenue for local services, and the environmental enhancements we have ensured across the site.

"We look forward to getting on site to start work on our exciting plans for this Charles Church phase which will deliver significant investment in the area and quality new homes for local people.

"We'd like to thank Forest of Dean Council and key stakeholders for their positive engagement and cooperation."