An application has been submitted to the Forest of Dean District Council by the Diocese of Gloucester to build 13 new homes on land attached to the old Longhope Church of England School at School Lane, much to the anger of local residents, especially living in Rectory Meadow. The plans are for 13 two, three and four bedroomed houses to be built on land that, to some, was known as “The Orchard” or the school’s playing field, and also on the field alongside the school and backing on to Rectory Meadow. The plan is to create two new access points; one allowing access to six of the new homes from School Lane, and the other allowing access to seven homes from Rectory Meadow.
The new scheme has angered residents, mainly in Rectory Meadow, because of the proximity to their own properties, and the inclusion of a play area too. They claim that there is plenty of wildlife there, beautiful views, and the concern over increased traffic, not only from the construction traffic which will destroy Rectory Meadow’s newly resurfaced road, but in the long term, entering Church Road. The proposal is also in a conservation area too.