PLANS to build a dozen affordable homes for “local people” in a picturesque Forest village have been given the go-ahead despite flooding fears.

Aster Group has been granted permission to develop around 1.2 acres of grassland next to Church Road in Longhope by Forest of Dean District Council planners.

Their proposals for an exception site, which would prioritise people with ties to the village, were debated by the development control committee in Coleford on July 11.

The new estate will include a mixture of one bed flats and two to three bed houses.

The housing scheme was opposed by Longhope Parish Council and some 22 residents who raised concerns over flooding, impact on wildlife and safety concerns with the access onto Church Road.

Councillor Richard Burton (G, Newnham), speaking during the meeing, said affordable housing is needed as people had “nowhere to go”.

He also said planners had no real reason to refuse. And he proposed approving the scheme and this was seconded by Cllr Patrick Kyne (L, Coleford).

However, Councillor Julia Gooch (I, Newent and Taynton) said she would not be supporting the plans as “all of the fields around Longhope have been developed”.

“The gardens are too small. There’s no provision for recreation facilities. All services are on the right of the site. We do need affordable homes but they should be quality affordable homes.”

Councillor Gill Moseley (L, Newent and Taynton) said the need for affordable housing must be at the forefront of their minds when they make a decision.

She said: “The site isn’t perfect but not many are. I will be supporting this application.”

And Cllr Simon Phelps (I, Westbury-on-Severn) also echoed the view that affordable housing is needed but he had serious reservations about the drainage planned for the site.

He said: “The Longhope Brook has severe issues with flooding.

“There have been three incidents of severe flooding in 16 years. I have witnessed that myself. The rate at which that stream can rise is alarming.”

Chairman Dave Wheeler (G, Newland and Sling) said it was not an easy application and said there were strong reasons to support and reject it.

The committee voted to approve the scheme by six votes to three with one abstention.