Historic Charterist village at risk of development

Snigs End, a historic settlement founded by Chartists, is at risk of development

A settlement connected to a historical working class movement that fought for voting rights is at risk of being lost forever to housing developments.

In the 19th century, the Chartists movement founded settlements in Snigs End and Lowbands, in Gloucestershire, as part of efforts to help working-class people satisfy the landholding requirement to vote.

Over the years, Snig's End has fallen into disrepair and as a result has been nominated to be included in Historic England's Heritage at risk register for 2025.

At a meeting on 11 August one resident reminded the council that Snigs End had been left to "complete ruin" leaving Lowlands as the best chartist site left which needs protecting.

"There are only five such settlements and this is the best one," they said.

"The Forest of Dean has already let the fourth one, Snig's End completely go to the wall – it's completely ruined.

"They've only got one chance left to keep one Chartist settlement going."

Snigs End is considered at risk from development, alterations to the original Chartist cottages, and subdivision of the original plots, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told.

The council also said it is concerned about the condition of the closed Prince of Wales pub, which was built as a school for Snig's End, and the increase in traffic in the area.

Locals say Lowbands could be protected if the district council steps in

And the real possibility of a new town with around 3,000 homes being built a stone's throw from Lowbands has sparked serious concerns among villagers that their heritage could also be "completely ruined".

The meeting also heard that attempts to give Lowbands special protection as a conservation area had fallen on deaf ears at the District Council.

Josh Wheeler from Redmarley Parish Council said: "We've literally been knocking at their door and they've been keeping it firmly shut."

The District Council has been approached for comment on the application for Snig's End to be considered by Historic England's heritage at risk register.