Bellway has announced plans to build 200 homes in Lydney after acquiring land to the east of the A48 in the town.

The development, to be known as Forest Walk, would deliver 170 private and 30 affordable homes, as well as ecological enhancements, public open spaces and play areas.

Each of the homes would have solar PV panels and its own electric car charging point.

Bellway has submitted a reserved matters planning application to Forest of Dean District Council and hopes to start work once plans are approved.

The development already has outline planning consent as part of a wider scheme to bring 320 homes, a new neighbourhood centre and employment land to Lydney.

Elgan Daniel, land director for Bellway, said: "The acquisition of this land in Lydney will allow us to deliver a collection of high-quality new homes in the town and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to building in the Forest of Dean.

"We plan to build a range of three and four-bedroom houses for private sale. In addition, there would be two and three-bedroom houses for shared ownership, along with affordable rented properties ranging from one to four bedrooms."

Forest Walk marks Bellway's return to Lydney. The company's previous development of 90 homes, known as Archers Walk, was completed in February 2021.

The homes at Forest Walk will be from Bellway's Artisan Collection, a range of best-in-class designs based on architectural excellence and years of customer feedback.

Biodiversity is a key feature within the plans. Bellway has committed to delivering an overall increase in natural habitats on site. This would be achieved by preserving trees and hedges where possible, and by introducing new and varied species to the green spaces within the development.

Elgan added: "This will be a sustainable development situated in the historic town of Lydney, which is by the River Severn, at the edge of the beautiful Wye Valley and the gateway to the Forest of Dean.

"Bellway is well known for delivering excellent homes in the area and Forest Walk has been designed with the needs of the local market in mind.

"This development will include significant areas of green open spaces and play areas, which will be open to the whole community."

The planning agreement for the wider development will see £2.9 million invested in improvements to local infrastructure, including primary and early years education, roads and library services.

Bellway is currently building new homes at three other developments in Gloucestershire - at Sandalwood Green in Hempsted, at Millbrook Grove in Brockworth and at Pirton Fields in Churchdown.