The Forest of Dean District Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 8 October 2026, to discuss and approve several key policies and plans. Decisions made included the approval of a new Civil Penalty and Enforcement Policy for private sector housing, the adoption of a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, and a recommendation to the full Council to endorse the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043 and proceed to a referendum. The Cabinet also resolved to recommend to the Council that it undertake a Local Plan Scoping Consultation and delegate authority for minor timetable revisions, and adopted the final draft Nature & Climate Strategy Targets and Actions.

Civil Penalty and Enforcement Policy

Councillor Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, presented the report PH.594 regarding the Civil Penalty and Enforcement Policy for Private Sector Housing. This policy has been updated to align with the new powers and duties introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025, replacing the previous policy from July 2025. Cabinet members sought clarification on how the policy addresses new legislation requiring landlords to upgrade property EPC ratings and whether the proposed fines would cover the policy's costs. Paul Lankester, Principal Environmental Health Officer, confirmed that the EPC legislation is reflected in the policy and that while fines are not guaranteed to cover all costs, future funding streams are anticipated. The Cabinet resolved to approve the Policy for Civil Penalties.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

Councillor Jackie Dale also presented report PH.595 concerning the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (PSHEP). This policy outlines the Council's approach to regulating standards in private sector housing, integrating new powers from the Renters' Rights Act 2025 alongside existing legislation. The policy aims to ensure transparent, effective, and consistent enforcement. A question was raised about whether these policies might lead some landlords to exit the market. Councillor Dale responded that the opposite is expected, as the policies provide greater clarity on expectations for both landlords and tenants, thereby fostering confidence. Paul Lankester echoed this view. The Cabinet resolved to approve the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy.

Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043

Councillor Adrian Birch, Cabinet Member for Strategy and Built Environment, presented report PH.596 regarding the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan (LNDP) 2025-2043. The report detailed the examiner's recommendations for changes to the plan, concluding that it meets the necessary legal requirements and should proceed to a referendum. Cabinet members inquired about the potential for the LNDP to be overruled by the District Council's Local Plan. Anna Welsh explained that while a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) might need adjustments to align with a future Local Plan, the LNDP itself does not allocate additional land beyond existing commitments. Councillor Birch proposed, and Councillor Jackie Dale seconded, a resolution that Cabinet recommends the Council accepts and endorses the proposed changes to the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan 2025-2043 as set out in the Examiner's Report, supports the plan proceeding to referendum, and, if successful, resolves to 'make' the plan as part of the adopted Development Plan for the Forest of Dean.

New Local Plan - Scoping

Councillor Adrian Birch also presented report PH.597 on the New Local Plan Scoping Consultation. This report outlined the requirement for a preliminary Local Plan Scoping Consultation under the new local plan-making system. The Cabinet resolved to recommend to the Council that it undertakes the Local Plan Scoping Consultation for six weeks from 14 January to 28 February 2027, delegates final consultation material to the Head of Place, Environment and Sustainability in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, and delegates minor timetable revisions to the Head of Place, Environment and Sustainability in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, reporting any significant changes to the Spatial Planning Member Advisory Group. Questions were raised regarding the consultation's interaction with previous consultations, its availability to non-residents, its format (online vs. in-person), and the inclusion of schools. Alastair Chapman, Head of Environment & Sustainability, confirmed that this consultation is distinct from previous ones as it pertains to a new Local Plan draft. Conrad Moore added that while statutory consultees are involved for technical aspects, the broader consultation is open to all living or working in the district. It was confirmed that the consultation would be primarily online, with schools being a key target group.

Nature & Climate Strategy (Refresh)

Councillor Jackie Fraser, Cabinet Member for Environment, presented report E.207 concerning the refresh of the Nature & Climate Strategy. The report sought Cabinet approval to delegate authority for the finalisation of the strategy document. Following member engagement, public, and stakeholder consultations, a final draft of the Nature and Climate Emergency Strategy Targets and Actions has been proposed, along with an outline structure for the final document. The proposed launch for the strategy is Autumn 2026. Simon Richards, Climate Team Leader, clarified that the document presented is not the final strategy but a collation of targets and actions to feed into it, with clear distinctions made between Council responsibilities and those of other stakeholders. The Cabinet resolved to adopt the final draft Nature & Climate Strategy Targets and Actions, update the Council Plan accordingly, approve the structure and outline content of the final Nature & Climate Strategy Document, and delegate authority to the Head of Environment and Sustainability, in consultation with the Cabinet members for Climate Emergency and Environment, to produce and agree the final strategy for publication in Autumn 2026.