DRYBROOK PARISH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 15^th April 2025 at 7.00pm at The School Room, Holy Trinity Church, Drybrook

Present:

Parish Councillors:     John Print (Chairman), Cathy Blake, Richard Moore, Dave Middlemiss, Joanne Bridges, Mark Lake, Pat Weaver and Su Griffin

Also present:              County Councillor Terry Hale

District Councillor Jackie Fraser

District Councillor Trevor Roach

April Seabrook (Clerk)

2 members of the public

 

 

1. Apologies for absence

Cllr Tracy Grainger, Pam Caton and District Councillor Shaun Stammers

 

 

2. Members of the public issues (15 minutes Standing Orders suspended)

A resident asked when the Annual Parish Meeting will take place and was informed it would take place on Thursday 29^th May 2025 from 5pm to 7pm.

 

3. County & District Councillor Reports

Cllr Jackie Fraser reported:

 

Review of the Local Plan Strategy.

 

The changes to the National Planning policy framework include changes to the way in which Local housing need is calculated by local authorities, and because of these changes, Forest of Dean has an increase of 82% in its local housing need. The present agreed local plan strategy is not capable of delivering the housing requirement to meet this increase, therefor Cabinet will recommend to Full Council that council reviews the current agreed local plan strategy and explores alternative strategic options.

Preventing Homelessness.

Local authorities have statutory duties that we must adhere to in response to homelessness. A full review of the increasing demands on the housing service and client groups most at risk of homelessness has been undertaken and cabinet have approved the implementation of a new preventing homelessness strategy. (An annual homelessness prevention grant is awarded to each local authority to assist in preventing homelessness)

3 main reasons for homelessness –

Ending of private rented tenancy- 35%

Family/relationship breakdown-30%

Domestic abuse-14%

 

 

Report from District Councillor Trevor Roach:

 

At the full Councillor Meeting of the District Council on Thursday 17^th April the Local Plan Strategy Review will be presented to the Council with the requirement to seek permission to proceed with the requirement to revise the Strategy further.

(The agenda papers for the next Full Council Meeting are available for public access on the District Council web site.)

“The report presents details of the changes introduced by the revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024, and the impact of those changes, including the amendment to the Standard Method (SM) for calculating the Local Housing Need (LHN), and sets out the implications of this (i.e. increased housing numbers – for a Plan requirement of 12,000 dwellings over 20 years.)  on the district.  It’s unlikely that the current strategy will be capable of meeting this increased need and officers are seeking agreement to revise the agreed strategy and conduct work to explore alternative strategic options for the district.

The report also seeks to provide Members with an overview of the representations received as part of the Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan public consultation which was conducted in the summer of 2024, along with draft officer responses to those comments.”

 

Key points/ observations from Cllr Roach

1. The views of our community regarding the future housing development for Drybrook have been recorded and itemised in the report. However, the comments can only carry real weight within the review process moving forward, if we can provide a Drybrook Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan that can sit alongside the District Plan as “equally weighted” legal documents. Only then will developers have to seriously consider the components we would expect to be included within any future submissions for planning permission to build within the parish.
2. We need to wait to hear from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) before we know if, when and how grant funding will be available for us to proceed with a NDP process.
3. With the likely advent of a unitary authority with overall responsibility for housing, health, transport and education, it might be advantageous to consider how a Drybrook NDP might interact with future development plans for Cinderford Town, and all the surrounding parishes of Drybrook, Mitcheldean, Ruardean and Littledean. Especially to consider how services are provided and how transport links can be integrated and improved.
4. Alongside the development of our plan, I would suggest that consideration be given to collaborating with Mitcheldean as they seek to update their NDP, which is necessary for them if it is to remain a legally viable tool to meet their future aspirations.
5. Advice on developing NDPs highlight the importance of good collaboration between the Parish and District Councillors. Point 8 of the Review Executive Summary highlights this point. For me, it illustrates the role of the District Councillor to ensure that the views of the Parish Council are constantly highlighted as the process proceeds, and as a Drybrook NDP moves towards a legally approved NDP – which might lag behind the District Council development Plan timescale.

 

The Local Plan Strategy Review emphasises the role of Councillor Member engagement with the review of the strategy – quote Point 8 of the Executive Summary.

 

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

8.1 As part of the LP work programme, officers envisage and will encourage Member engagement. Work is currently being undertaken to identify the critical stages of local plan preparation at which Member input would be valuable. Officers also intend to provide a further Member Development session leading up to the next public consultation to ensure Councillors are kept informed of the work that is required and being completed, and the progress being made.

 

Consultation Response Report – Pages 309 – 314 – where our concerns have been logged, alongside others, including Glos Wildlife Trust and Environment Agency

Drybrook and Harrow Hill: Settlement Summary (page 309)

Observations: made in the consultation responses

1. Includes part of culverted tributary of Cinderford brook. Significant opportunity to divert water course in open cut through the site. (Environment Agency)
2. Adjacent to the GWT Central Forest Priority Landscape Area (PLA) on the eastern boundary of the settlement. A constraint and an opportunity. The PLA’s are based on the NRN, is more likely to form a core part of the NRN, development on land outside of the core NRN could deliver valuable enhancements through BNG. (Glos Wildlife Trust).
3. Drybrook Parish Council to consider embarking upon the development of their own Neighbourhood Plan (NDP).
4. Wish for detailed dialogue with the FODDC before any future decisions are made.
5. Absence of community planning & investment to create an optimum settlement for the health & wellbeing of the ever-growing community.
6. Expectation” that the village will “evolve” & additional houses will be able to take advantage of this evolution suggest there is a greater plan to develop the village as a community.
7. Evolution of Drybrook will not happen without joint partnership with the PC & FODDC.
8. The roads are busy, narrow and congested.
9. Inadequate provision of safe pavements for people to move easily on foot around the village.
10. No village green or central square & very poor pedestrian & cycle access around the village.
11. Less footfall around the village to support local business services or for community interaction.
12. Cinderford is our major centre for many services, the public transport links & active transport links are inadequate.
13. The village has currently very limited access to employment currently serves only Primary Education needs.
14. Social cohesion focused on preserving & developing into the future & wish to proactively resist developments that can facilitate social decline.
15. Proposed development of 97 new dwellings in Drybrook, presents both opportunities & challenges for our village.
16. Would substantially lift the population, not enough as a catalyst for investment & improvement, especially bus services, although it would anchor the provision of existing local services.
17. Further significant growth requires justification; smarter Planning processes & better regulation for Planners, smarter thinking to reflect local circumstances.
18. The construction & subsequent increase in population will likely boost the already limited local

economy.

19. There has been a considerable ‘Lack of Investment’ in Drybrook
20. Affordable housing essential to address local needs, young families & individuals, & those residents who wish to live in the locality, ensuring Drybrook remains accessible to all demographics.
21. The existing services, such as schools & healthcare facilities, will also face additional pressure with the proposed development.
22. It is crucial to plan for adequate expansion & proper funding of these services to meet future

demand.

23. Existing services, such as schools & healthcare facilities, will also face additional pressure with the proposed development
24. Development should incorporate sustainable practices such as energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, green spaces that promote biodiversity.
25. Development should incorporate sustainable practices such as energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, & green spaces that promote biodiversity
26. Consideration also needs to be given that areas within Drybrook fall under the Wye Valley Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
27. A comprehensive flood risk assessment should be conducted to identify any potential risks to the new development and surrounding areas.
28. Incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems is essential for managing surface water runoff & reducing the risk of flooding.
29. Upgrading existing drainage infrastructure may be necessary to accommodate increased water

flow.

30. Ongoing monitoring & maintenance of drainage systems.
31. Infrastructure investment.
32. Address potential traffic congestion, implementing effective traffic management strategies.
33. The proposal for a roundabout opposite the Hearts of Oak public house is not an effective or

efficient traffic management strategy.

34. Drybrook Parish Council initiatives such as local events & community programmes can foster social cohesion & strengthen the village’s sense of identity.
35. Maintaining Drybrook’s features and heritage is essential as the village grows.
36. It is dominated by surrounding forest & agricultural land, which needs to be preserved.
37. Increased population density can sometimes lead to anti-social behaviour & crime if not carefully managed.
38. Development should include walking trails, an area of community space to facilitate social

interaction & physical activity.

39. Thoughtful planning and design can ensure that new housing complements the existing environment and respects the village’s cultural landscape
40. Previous development at Mannings Farm was given no consideration to the village or existing

residents. Anti-social behaviour and drug dealing is prevalent.

41. Concept of the 20-Minute Neighbourhood emphasizes ‘living locally,’ individuals should be able

to meet most of their daily needs such as shopping, exercise, education, socializing, & healthcare within a 20-minute walk from home, with safe cycling & local transport options.

42. Drybrook PC would like to propose that the Old Orchard between Drybrook Car Park & Quabbs

Road be identified & designated as an important open area & potential future recreation space for the village centre.

43. This area needs this protection as any future attempt to seek planning permission for housing

would mitigate against any vision to enhance the quality of the village for the community by

developing a more open civic space at the entrance to Drybrook Farm.

44. Could it be included in areas identified on the FDDC Policies Map? (Drybrook PC).

Objections:

1. Dumping executive housing on villages and towns which have declining amenities and

infrastructure.

2. Housing need is entirely spurious, given the large number of second homes and air b n b in the

Forest of Dean.

3. Drybrook is clearly a village in decline lost a butcher’s, a baker’s from a settlement that had a post office, a bank, a dozen shops and a Cinema it has virtually nothing.
4. A chemist, a co-op and a second-hand shop. The GP surgery has a single GP.
5. A further 97 houses would exacerbate congestion in the village, especially around the start and

finish of the school day and other local road systems at commuting times for work.

6. Would the sewer system cope and would the centre of the village be more prone to flooding with an additional 97 properties uphill.
7. There is a derelict house and derelict toilet block in the centre of the village, repairing and

repurposing these would be a better use of resources.

8. Questions need to be asked about allocation of section 102 monies from previous developments and accountability to the community of the decision makers.
9. Don’t appear to have a handle on empty properties or brownfield sites in the Dean but happily

dispense with agricultural land.

Draft Officer Response

The LP has arrived at a strategy which makes major strategic allocations for mixed development at sustainable locations where there are opportunities around the towns.  In addition, there are sites identified for development at a number of other large settlements, principally at major villages.  Their distribution is an important part of the plan strategy and broadly follows the plan hierarchy. Drybrook is identified as a major village in Policy LP4 where there are services to support some additional development. Part of the reason for making allocations is to support local services. The site adjoins one that is recently completed, it expands and consolidates two AP allocations of 18 and 50 dwellings. This additional land provides approximately 30 dwellings more than the Allocations Plan. The allocation is in keeping with the strategy of the plan and is considered available for the purpose.

It is agreed that at present it is in agricultural use, but the need for additional land is such that some new greenfield allocations are needed.

 

Policy LP.86 Drybrook Farm, Drybrook and to the Rear of High Street Drybrook

Observations:

1. Surface water flood route runs through the centre of the site. (Environment Agency)
2. Adjacent to the GWT Central Forest Priority Landscape Area (PLA) on the eastern boundary of

the settlement. Both a constraint and an opportunity. The PLAs are based on the NRN, land within them is more likely to form a core part of the NRN, development on land outside of the core NRN could deliver valuable enhancements through BNG. (Glos Wildlife Trust).

3. Drybrook Parish Council request specific amendments & inclusion in the LP regarding Policy LP.86.
4. A significant area (needs further discussion) between the Drybrook Main Road and the farm be set aside for community / civic space developed by commercial partners or compulsory purchase or community Land Trust Mechanisms
5. Recommendations to amend and add text of policy:  (1st paragraph) ….The site should provide
6. pedestrian… and Cycle access from Drybrook Road via the old Farmhouse to the development
7. recently completed to the northeast and directly to the High Street while vehicle access is likely to be close to restricted from the Drybrook Road via the former Drybrook Farm buildings which are part of the allocation.
8. (2nd paragraph) – ….. and some the provision of community open space adjoining and opening on to the main Drybrook Road while enabling the former Drybrook Farm buildings to be developed for community services or retail provision. The development of the site will need to demonstrate it will not have an adverse impact on the nearby bat SACs and the populations they support.
9. The landscaped areas and associated open space will need to provide some benefit for the village overall.
10. The proposed development of 97 new dwellings in Drybrook does offer an opportunity for growth and revitalization.
11. It is essential to ensure that this growth is proportionate & sustainable in meeting local & ‘appropriate solutions’ to housing for Drybrook
12. Needs to align with key policies from the Forest of Dean District Council’s Core Strategy, NPPF,

NPFR & the ‘replaced’ Allocations Plan.

13. Ensuring development of our village is sustainable & inclusive, it can meet the needs of both new & existing residents while preserving Drybrook’s cohesion.
14. Planners need to encompass a more people centric design – as proposed ‘Solutions & Inclusions’ outlined above, not just develop ‘Residential Dwellings.
15. Adopting better principles of building with nature, improved green spaces.
16. There needs to be some restoration to ‘local pride’, belonging 7 social interactions, making Drybrook a ‘destination to live, not just to reside within a ‘corridor’.
17. We have encouraged residents to participate in this consultation has not been either accessible or conducive to the average member of the public, we have received numerous comments to that effect.

Support: 

We support the proposed extended allocation at Drybrook (LP86) and we would ask the Council to ensure that they keep the draft allocation within the Local Plan, because the landowner has intentions of bringing this site forward for residential development during this next plan period with it now having a feasible access strategy.

Draft Officer Response

Comments noted:

There are sites identified for development at a number of other large settlements, principally at major villages.  Their distribution is an important part of the plan strategy and broadly follows the plan hierarchy. Drybrook is identified as a major village in Policy LP4 where there are services to support local services.

The site adjoins one that is recently completed, it expands and consolidates two AP allocations of 18 and 50 dwellings. This additional land provides approximately 30 dwellings more than the Allocations Plan. The allocation is in keeping with the strategy of the plan and is considered available for the purpose.

Applications which increase GI connectivity to the woodland will be encouraged. Full Ecological Impact Assessments will be required and impacts to the adjacent woodland will be carefully considered. Lighting will be a key consideration.

Surface Water will be considered at planning application stage by the relevant expert body

 

4. Declarations of Interests

None

 

5. Requests for Dispensations

None

 

6. Minutes of the Meeting held on 18^th March 2025

It was resolved to accept the minutes of the meeting, which was held on 18^th March, as an accurate record of the meetings, and were signed by the Chairman.

 

7. Planning matters
8. a) P0034/25/FUL – Overbrook Garage, Drybrook Road, Drybrook – Recommissioning and modernisation of former petrol filling station including replacement shopfront and roof. Installation of 10,000 litre class 1 forecourt separator and replacement of 2 no. fuel pumps and fuel system and associated ancillary works.

Decision:  it was agreed that the following wording would be sent to the District Council.  ‘The Parish Council note the comments by the Highways Department and note the absence of elevated drawings relating to the signage where there are complaints and concerns from our parishioners.  The garage is a welcome addition to our Parish and is of economic benefit and so we reserve our comments until approval is conditioned.’

1. b) P0317/25/FUL – Highfield House, Morgans Lane, Ruardean Hill – Erection of a single storey rear extension to provide enlarged accommodation for wheelchair dependant relative.

Decision: No objections

 

Cllr Cathy Blake informed Council that the planning application for Land at Forest Road had been considered by the District Council’s Planning Committee and had been approved.

 

8. Handy Person Contract & Job Description

Council agreed the Contract and Job Description for the Handy Person role and that Cllrs Joanne Bridges and Su Griffin would deal with this matter and that the role will be advertised soon.  Action: Cllr Bridges & Griffin

 

9. Speed Gun

Council agreed to purchase a speed gun for the Road Safety Group at a cost of £167.99.  Action: Cllr Middlemiss

 

10. Football Goal Project

Council agreed to defer this matter until the May meeting.  Action: Clerk

 

11. Quote for Memorial Bench in Roebuck Meadow Play Area

Council agreed the quote of £835 + VAT for the purchase and erection of a bench on a concrete plinth.  Action: Cllr Print

           

12. Bank Signatories

Council was informed that the bank account had the following signatories, Pam Caton, Malcolm Jones, Dave Middlemiss, Richard Moore, John Print, April Seabrook, Donna Smith, Pat Weaver.  The Council agreed to remove Donna Smith, Malcolm Jones and Cllr Richard Moore and add Cllrs Su Griffin, Joanne Bridges and Mark Lake.  Action: Clerk

           

13. Councillor Reports

            Cllr John Print informed Council that the next meeting in May will be the Annual Parish Meeting where a chairman will be elected for the ensuing year and that he would not be able to continue in this role as he would be moving out of the area in the next couple of months.  Cllr Print asked if someone would be happy to take responsibility for Council’s website and social media and Cllr Mark Lake stated that he would take over this role.

 

Cllr Su Griffin informed Council that she had attended a couple of new Councillor training sessions with GAPTC and had found them very informative and would recommend the training to any new Councillors that join the Parish Council.

 

Cllr Dave Middlemiss stated that the speed stickers for the wheelie bins had been ordered, and that Drybrook Surgery were holding an open day on 10^th May as they needed more patients to join the surgery.

 

 

14. Clerk’s Report

The Clerk reported that she had:

Emailed the two residents who complained about the rise in the precept, the Parish Council’s statement regarding this matter.

 

Resident emailed regarding the parking during a rugby match at Drybrook Rugby Club, I informed this was a Police matter and gave them the Police website address and telephone number.

 

Booked Cllrs Tracy Toombs and Su Griffin onto the Being a Better Councillor Part 1 & 2 course.

 

Paid the annual subscription to GAPTC.

 

Following the internal audit’s comments regarding the Asset Register, I have now checked the register and realised that some of the figures hadn’t been carried forward, this has now been rectified and the figure corrected to £141,013.

 

Updated the Council’s contact details with the Pension Regulator.

 

 

15. Accounts/Finance

 

1. Council agreed the following payments and receipts:

 

Payments made since last meeting

No	Payee	Details	Method	Amount	Power	Budget
	Lloyds Bank	Monthly bank charges	PAY (18/03/25)	£4.25	LGA 1972 s111	General Admin
	Water Plus	Water @ public toilets	BACS (20/03/25)	£21.61	LGA 1972 s111	Public Toilets
	Big Box Little Box	Monthly storage rental	SO (30/03/25)	£130.00	LGA 1972 s111	Projects
	April Seabrook	Salary	BACS (31/03/25)	£649.17	LGA 1972 s112(2)	Staff Costs
1	EE	Mobile phone	DD (03/04/25)	£28.48	LG(FP)A 1963 s5	General Admin
2	NetWise	Upgrade to website & Council emails	BACS (04/04/25)	£600.00	LGA 1972 s142	General Admin
3	GAPTC	Annual subscription	BACS (08/04/25)	£1,015.12	LGA 1972 s111	General Admin
4	J Matthews Landscapes	Play surface for Bracken Road field	BACS (10/04/25)	£8,382.00	LGA 1892 s8 (1)(i)	Recreation Areas
5	NEST	Pension contributions	DD (11/04/25)	£68.34	LGA 1972 s112(2)	Staff Costs
			TOTAL	£10,898.97