3.Agricultural Land Classification

The agricultural land classifications for the Forest of Dean is shown here. The Agricultural Land Classification classifies land into five grades (plus ‘non-agricultural’ and ‘urban’), where Grades 1 to 3a are the ‘best and most versatile’ land and Grades 3b to 5 are of poorer quality. In terms of the location of the best and most versatile agricultural land in the county, the highest grade agricultural land in the county (areas of land classified as Grade 1 and 2 agricultural land) tends to be in the north-west of, around Newent to the the North of the A40 and consequently not in the study area. The majority of agricultural land in the county is Grade 3 and development on this quality of land is deemed acceptable for development of the settlement in this report. The core forest is categorised as non agricultural and has other protections and designations that apply to it.

The major urban districts of Lydney, Coleford and Cinderford are clearly shown in red. There are as described in the Housing Allocations document of the district ;and that is already ear marked for development and consequently ruled out for development by this study.. Also buffer of 1km is given around each of the major settlements to preserve the distinctiveness of the settlements and prevent urban sprawl.