Bourton-on-the-Water
The "Venice of the Cotswolds" - one of the most visited villages in England facing growth despite severe infrastructure constraints
1,936
Current homes
227
Additional by 2043
12%
Growth
<50%
Sewage capacity
What the Local Plan Proposes
| Source | Homes |
|---|---|
| Planning permissions | 108 |
| Windfalls | 81 |
| New allocation | 38 |
| Total 2025-2043 | 227 |
Source: Local Plan Table 2
Infrastructure Crisis: Sewage Capacity
Operating at less than half required capacity
Bourton-on-the-Water's sewage treatment works has been identified as operating at less than 50% of required capacity.
Source: ORIC International research, referenced in district briefing documents
This raises serious questions about accommodating any additional homes:
- How can 227 new homes be served if existing capacity is inadequate?
- What upgrades are committed and by when?
- Should allocation proceed before infrastructure is secured?
What This Means
Bourton-on-the-Water would see 12% growth (227 homes). The relatively modest new allocation (38 homes) reflects significant constraints:
- Entirely within the Cotswolds National Landscape
- Extreme tourism pressure ("Venice of the Cotswolds")
- Infrastructure constraints including severe sewage capacity issues
CDC's Own Evidence
The Council's own evidence base documents reveal key constraints affecting Bourton-on-the-Water. Use these findings in your consultation response.
National Landscape - Highest Protection
Bourton-on-the-Water is entirely within the Cotswolds National Landscape - the highest level of landscape protection in England.
The IIA states that developing within the National Landscape "breaks planning law". Only Scenario 6 meets housing need - but it is "contrary to national planning policy".
IIA Assessment Findings
The Integrated Impact Assessment identifies severe constraints:
- Village already under extreme tourist pressure
- Any significant growth would impact village character
- Very limited expansion capacity due to National Landscape
Water Stress & Infrastructure
The IIA confirms Cotswold District falls within Thames Water's area which is classed as "seriously water stressed". Combined with Bourton's documented sewage capacity crisis (less than 50% of required capacity), this raises serious questions about any additional development.
"Significant adverse effects on water resources" are predicted under all development scenarios.
Source: Integrated Impact Assessment, November 2025
Strategic Context
79%
of housing need delivered by Scenario 5
1 million+
annual visitors to Bourton
<50%
sewage capacity
How to use this evidence
When responding to the consultation, you can cite these official findings to argue that Bourton-on-the-Water faces an exceptional combination of constraints: National Landscape protection, extreme tourism pressure, and critical infrastructure deficits. The Council's own evidence confirms that meaningful expansion is not sustainable.
No Neighbourhood Plan
No formal community plan
Bourton-on-the-Water does not have a Neighbourhood Plan. Given the village's unique pressures (tourism, heritage, infrastructure), the community has no formal mechanism to guide development priorities.
Key Issues for Residents
Sewage Capacity
- Treatment works at less than 50% capacity
- Can ANY additional development be accommodated?
- What is Thames Water's upgrade plan?
Tourism Pressure
- One of the most visited villages in England
- Up to 1 million visitors annually
- Infrastructure serves tourists AND residents
National Landscape
- Entirely within protected landscape
- Is any growth appropriate here?
River Windrush
- Village built around the river
- Flood risk considerations
- Ecological sensitivity
Timeline
14 November 2025
Local Plan consultation opens
2 January 2026
Reg 18 closed
Stay Informed
The Reg 18 consultation closed on 2 January 2026. This information remains useful for the Reg 19 consultation expected June 2026.
Submit Your Response
- Online: Consultation Portal
- Email: local.plan@cotswold.gov.uk (CC: planning@cotswold.gov.uk)
Local Contacts
Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council
bourtonparishcouncil.org.uk
Last updated: December 2025. For definitive information, refer to official consultation documents on the Council's website.