News | Newent Town Council

Newent Town Council is proud to announce its participation in Odd Socks Day 2023 as part of our commitment to promoting inclusivity and standing against bullying. This week serves as a reminder that our differences should be celebrated, and that together, we can create a community that stands united against bullying in all its forms.

Huge thanks to three keen gardeners; Lynn Ashton, Emma Boswell and Joyce Carter who worked with Cllr Juli Escritt to add new life and colour to 3 planters in town; 2 in front of Manna House and 1 in front of Smiths Estate Agent. Mark Moir of Newent Plant Centre supplied the plants and helped create a long lasting display of colour and texture using sustainable plants and a few seasonal plants for a pop of extra colour.

The planting scheme was designed to provide a beautiful display throughout the year using hardy perennials and grasses that do not need replacing and/or require less watering with a few seasonal plants for extra interest.

These 3 planters were funded by donations, but it is hoped that this trial will be a success and that it can be rolled out to other planters in the town. We hope that you enjoy this display and welcome your feedback!

The Chair of Newent Town Council delivered the following statement on behalf of the whole Council during Mondays full Council meeting.

Gloucestershire Constabulary is currently delivering a project called Commercial Vehicle Watch which will run until the end of December 2023.

This activity is part of the Department for Transport’s national Roads Policing Review which is all about making road use safer, more efficient and more secure.

The key objective of the Commercial Vehicle Watch project is to explore the benefits of involving communities (i.e. yourselves) in providing information to help the agencies who are members of the Road Safety Partnership better understand your concerns around offending or inconsiderate commercial vehicle use.

Click here to learn more about the project.

Newent Community Building Construction Progress Update:

We're thrilled to share the latest progress on our highly anticipated Newent Community Building project! Construction is well underway, and we're happy to report that everything is proceeding smoothly and according to plan.

The dedicated team of builders and architects has been working diligently to bring this vision to life, and we couldn't be more pleased with the results so far.

As construction progresses, we're excitedly anticipating the completion of this fantastic Community Building. If you have any enquiries please email townclerk@newenttowncouncil.gov.uk

- Newent Town Council.

Neighbourhood Development Plan

How should Newent develop? The Forest of Dean’s next Local Plan (Second Preferred Option) is out for consultation until 9th October. In this draft plan, which will cover the period until 2041, are proposals for at least 600 more houses in Newent.

This plan is in outline at present. It recognizes Newent’s need for more infrastructure, retail, employment opportunities, community buildings, access to transport and green spaces. It also acknowledges the importance of linking the new development to the historic town centre. However, the detail is lacking at this stage.

Newent’s own plan, the NDP, is there to give a voice to the people who live, work or study in Newent and to provide guidance to the planners as to local needs and wishes. Since the pre-Covid Public Consultation in October 2019, the Steering Group has been busy collecting more evidence in the form of surveys and from other sources. Soon the policy writing will start and there will be further public consultation to ask if members of the public agree with our findings.

If you care about Newent’s future, please come and talk to us. The NDP Steering Group meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm and welcomes new members and volunteers from the community of Newent. Its membership includes town councillors and members of the community. The venue can vary so please contact newentndp@gmail.com for details. More information can be found on our website at https://www.newentourfuture.co.uk/