HUNDREDS of people have signed an open letter calling for a controversial 3,500-home town close to the M50 to be ‘ruled out’ of a council’s new blueprint for housing.

Residents in the north of the Forest of Dean have signed an open letter calling on councillors to rule out the controversial new town which was previously put forward at Glynchbrook, near junction 2 of the M50.

Residents in the Redmarley area warn the Glynchbrook site remains unsustainable and a gathering in the village this week, attended by its local MP, has sent a clear message that the community would stand against the proposed development’s return.

The Forest of Dean District Council decided in June to withdraw its draft local plan and work on a new blueprint, which will set out where more than 13,000 homes will be built over the next 20 years.

Vicky Goodall, 52, a nurse from Redmarley, said: “Our open letter offers the council a workable solution that delivers on the housing targets, and ensures development is sustainable.”

Members of United Against Glynchbrook assembled in Redmarley Village Hall on the edge of the site that would host the proposed 3,500 home new town, wedged against the Malvern Hills National Landscape.

Mike Holtom, 66, a retired supply chain planning manager, added: “Glynchbrook is not the right place to build homes – everyone, including the council, has accepted that. However, we know that new homes need to be built in order to meet the district’s housing target.

“We hope the council considers our proposals – which are evidenced using the assessments of experts in their field.”

At the meeting, Ms Goodall added: “We want new homes to be built, but they need to be built in places that deliver for people that move there. Our plan sets out how those homes can be delivered. We hope councillors engage with it.”