The fate of plans for new homes in Coleford will be decided at a public inquiry later this summer.

Gladman Developments was originally refused outline planning permission for 63 new homes on Anchor Road in Coleford, in August 2020.

Mendip District Council's planning board voted again to refuse permission in March 2021, shortly after the developer had lodged an appeal against the original refusal.

The Planning Inspectorate has now confirmed the plans will be decided at a virtual public inquiry, which is scheduled to begin on August 18.

The sites lies at the northern end of Coleford, with a number of proposed properties wrapping around the back of the existing homes on Anchor Road.

As part of the plans, Gladman committed that 30 per cent of the new homes will be affordable – the equivalent of 19 properties – split between social rent and shared ownership.

New footpaths and street lighting would be provided along Anchor Road and Rush Ash Lane as part of the application, along with play areas and more than £100,000 towards early years education.

At the March meeting of the council's planning board, both residents and councillors argued that the village was not capable of sustaining such a large number of new homes, pointing to concerns about infrastructure, road safety and the environment.

Mark Reynolds, a planning consultant speaking on behalf of Coleford Parish Council, said: "Coleford has already delivered more housing completions than required for the settlement up to 2029.

"The proposal has not changed in any material way. The number of houses, the proposed layout and the vast majority of the landscaping scheme are identical.

"This is not a meaningful attempt to overcome the previous refusal."

Councillor Alan Townsend, who represents the Coleford and Holcombe ward, said: "This application ignores our legitimate concerns on highway safety, which affect all our residents.

"Somerset County Council's highways team hasn't even commented on the possibility of extending the 30mph speed limit area. This application ignores the strength of local objection."

Councillor Philip Ham, who represents the same ward, said: "Coleford's sewerage system is very old – the drainage water and foul-water use the same pipes, and the system is totally overloaded."

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed the virtual hearing will begin on August 18, with the proceedings expected to last four days (not including an official site visit by the appointed inspector).

The inspector's final decision is expected to be published before the end of the year.