Controversial 3,500-home town planned near Malvern Hills despite flood risks

A Green-led council pushes ahead with a contentious housing project—despite warnings of flooding, traffic chaos, and threats to conservation zones. Will residents stop it?

, and Administrator

2026 May 10 . 5:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a flooded street in the middle of a rural area, with water covering the road,... — The image shows a flooded street in the middle of a rural area, with water covering the road, plants and trees on either side, and a car parked on the right side. In the background, there are houses, poles, wires, and clouds in the sky, indicating that the flooding has caused damage to the area.

Controversial 3,500-home town planned near Malvern Hills despite flood risks

Forest of Dean District Council has unveiled plans to build a new town with 3,500 homes near the Malvern Hills. The proposal forms part of the UK government’s target to construct 1.5 million homes by 2029. However, the chosen site has already sparked controversy among residents and opposition parties.

The council, led by a Green Party majority, selected the location from 10 possible sites. Eight of these were previously ruled out as 'unlikely' to meet the required standards. The chosen area sits at the meeting point of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire, but concerns have been raised about its suitability.

A council-commissioned study found the site inadequate for development. It warned the land could fail to provide essential community facilities and might harm the surrounding landscape. The area also lies on a floodplain, lacks public transport links, and borders conservation zones and listed buildings. Local residents have voiced strong objections. Many fear the new town will destroy the region’s heritage and worsen traffic on the A417. Despite these concerns, the council has pushed forward with the proposal. A public consultation remains open until Wednesday, March 18.

The council’s decision has faced criticism from both residents and opposing political groups. With the consultation period nearing its end, the future of the development remains uncertain. If approved, the project would significantly alter the landscape and infrastructure of the Malvern Hills area.