Independent Councillor John Francis (Longhope and Huntley) has put forward the proposal due to what he sees as the “undemocratic” way the council has dealt with the emerging blueprint for development in the district. This accusation has been rejected by the Green administration.

“This lack of engagement means that there has been no forum in which to express the views of local residents or those of town and parish councils by members,” he said.

“Furthermore, it has led to an absence of any in-depth debate over the wider strategy, including the exploration of alternative options for site allocations needed to accommodate the unprecedented increase in the government’s required target for house building in the Forest of Dean District

“It is too late, at the public consultation stage, for all members to have any meaningful input into the shaping of proposals. This is simply undemocratic.”

Cllr Francis said the three previous local plan portfolio holders held many open sessions to discuss the merits, shortcomings and difficulties that each site posed.

Council leader Adrian Birch (G, Tidenham) said the Green administration does not recognise the alleged democratic shortcomings.

He said: “We respect both the integrity of the process and of our fellow councillors. We will formally address the issue next week, offering our reasoned arguments where they are best debated, in full council.

Green Party councillor Adrian Birch is the leader of Forest of Dean District Council

“At this stage I can simply say that we don’t recognise the alleged shortcomings in the democratic process in developing our local plan.

“We look forward to the vote, confident of support for the sustained hard work of our district officers and councillors in producing a viable local plan.”