Lechlade-on-Thames
What the Local Plan means for Lechlade
1,241
Current homes
220
Proposed 2025-2043
150
Main allocation
18%
Growth increase
The Numbers
The Draft Local Plan (November 2025) identifies Lechlade as a Principal Settlement and proposes 220 new homes over the plan period (2025-2043).
| Source | Homes |
|---|---|
| Planning permissions already granted | 10 |
| Remaining allocations from current LP | 9 |
| Windfall allowance | 51 |
| New allocation proposed | 150 |
| Total 2025-2043 | 220 |
Source: Local Plan Review Preferred Options Consultation, Table 2, page 21
CDC's Own Evidence
From the Council's published evidence base documents
The following findings come from CDC's own technical studies. You can cite these in your consultation response.
Landscape Sensitivity Assessment
Source: Broad Zones 10a-b (Around Lechlade)
Zone 10a (East)
M-H to HIGH Sensitivity
- • Historic parkland features
- • Association with Lechlade Manor
- • Sensitive landscape character
Zone 10b (West)
MEDIUM (small scale)
- • Some capacity for extension
- • Northern areas ecologically sensitive
- • Careful design required
Zone 10b offers "some capacity" with careful design, but northern areas remain ecologically sensitive due to proximity to Cotswold Water Park.
— Landscape Sensitivity Assessment, November 2025
Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA)
Source: CDC HRA, October 2025
"Cotswold Lakes identified as functionally linked habitat for Severn Estuary qualifying bird species"
— Habitat Regulations Assessment, October 2025
Relevant concerns for Lechlade:
- Cotswold Water Park SSSI ~80m from proposed site
- Development could affect recreational pressure on ecologically sensitive areas
- All scenarios could have "likely significant effects on Habitats Sites"
Site-Specific Constraints (Zones 10a-b)
Source: Site Assessment Sheets, November 2025
Heritage Assets
- Multi-period settlement Scheduled Monument (NHLE 1003434) immediately adjacent to Zone 10b
- Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Butler's Field - nationally significant remains may extend into area
- Listed buildings at Lechlade, Manor Farm, Lechlade Mill, Little Faringdon
Ecological Designations
- 100% of both zones in Cotswold Water Park NIA
- Cotswold Water Park SSSI adjacent to Zone 10a north boundary
- Eric Richardson Nature Reserve (LGS) adjacent to Zone 10b
- Priority habitats: Floodplain Grazing Marsh, Deciduous Woodland
Flood Risk & Minerals
- Zone 10a: "Large areas fall into Flood Zone 2"
- Zone 10a: Almost wholly in Mineral Safeguarding Area
- Zone 10b: All development types intersect MSA
Infrastructure Capacity
- Wastewater capacity: Only ~250 properties (both zones)
- No rail station within 5km
- Bulk Supply Point needs upgrading
Accessibility Assessment (Both Zones)
IMPOSSIBLE
Supermarket
IMPOSSIBLE
Hospital
10-20 min
GP
No Station
Within 5km
By public transport. ~15,000 jobs accessible within 45 mins by PT.
Strategic Context from IIA
District-wide Constraints
- Only 16% of district land is unconstrained
- District is "seriously water stressed"
Housing Need Gap
- Scenario 5 delivers only 79% of need
- Only Scenario 6 meets need (but "breaks planning law")
How to use this evidence: When responding, reference the proximity to the SSSI, the HRA's identification of functionally linked habitat, and the fact that even CDC's own assessment shows Zone 10b only has capacity for "small scale" development with careful design.
The Proposed Site
Land South of Ferrers Park
Site Reference: Site L1
9.87
Hectares
150
Dwellings
Station Road (A361)
Access point
The site is located south of existing Ferrers Park residential area, bordered by residential development to the north and west, agricultural land to the south and east, and Station Road (A361) to the east.
Environmental Context
Ecology
- Assessed as "national importance" for foraging/commuting bats
- 11 bat species recorded on site
- Includes lesser horseshoe and barbastelle (Annex II species)
Nearby Designations
- Cotswold Water Park SSSI ~80m north
- Conservation Area immediately adjacent
- 3 Grade II listed buildings within 130m
- 110 heritage assets within 1km
Agricultural Land: Approximately 8.1 hectares (82% of the site) is classified as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) Grade 3a agricultural land.
Sources: Turley EIA Screening Report (October 2025); North Lechlade Residents Group Technical Representations (November 2025), citing CDC Screening Opinion documentation and publicly available records
The Neighbourhood Plan
Made Neighbourhood Plan
October 2016 | 88% support
NP: Delivered
The Neighbourhood Plan allocation has been effectively delivered in full.
The Local Plan proposes 150 additional homes at Ferrers Park - over and above what the community planned for.
Combined Impact
114
NP allocation
Delivered
150
LP new allocation
Proposed
= 264 homes
Combined total for Lechlade
Key Issues to Consider
When responding to the consultation, you may wish to consider these questions:
Housing Numbers
- Is 150 new homes at Land South of Ferrers Park appropriate for Lechlade?
- How does this relate to what the community planned through the Neighbourhood Plan?
- What is the justification for growth beyond the NP allocation?
Environmental Considerations
- Given documented ecological sensitivity (including "national importance" for bats), what assessment is appropriate?
- How should impacts on the nearby SSSI (80m away) be assessed?
- What are the implications for the adjacent Conservation Area and listed buildings?
- Is it appropriate to develop 8.1 hectares of BMV agricultural land?
Infrastructure
- Highways: The A361 already experiences congestion. What assessment has been made?
- Healthcare: Is there GP capacity for additional residents?
- Education: Can local schools accommodate additional children?
- Drainage: The Council acknowledges infrastructure constraints may delay delivery (para 3.13)
Cumulative Impact
- Fairford also has major growth proposed (1,252 homes including 780 strategic extension)
- Both settlements share the A361 corridor
- What assessment has been made of cumulative impacts?
Related Planning Decision
Land North of The Wern - Refused
July 2025 | Ref: 24/03501/OUT | 54 dwellings
In July 2025, the Council refused 54 dwellings at another Lechlade site. Reasons included:
- "Significant adverse impact on listed buildings' settings"
- "Harm to Conservation Area setting"
- "Insufficient information to assess biodiversity impacts"
Source: CDC Planning Decision Notice
Timeline
October 2016
Lechlade Neighbourhood Plan adopted (88% referendum support)
2011-2024
~113 homes delivered against NP target of 114
July 2025
54 homes refused at Land North of The Wern
5 November 2025
EIA screening opinion issued for Ferrers Park (EIA not required)
14 November 2025
Local Plan consultation opens
2 December 2025
Secretary of State declines screening direction request
2 January 2026
Local Plan consultation closes
2026
Planning application expected for Ferrers Park
Have Your Say
The consultation closes 2 January 2026. This is your opportunity to comment.
Key Consultation Questions
- Q1: Which scenario do you prefer?
- Q4: Is the proposed level of development sustainable?
Submit Your Response
- Online: Consultation Portal
- Email: local.plan@cotswold.gov.uk (CC: planning@cotswold.gov.uk)
Get Involved Locally
North Lechlade Residents Group
A local residents' group engaging with planning matters affecting north Lechlade. Some environmental information on this page was compiled from their research into publicly available documents.
northlechladeresidentsgroup@gmail.comCotswolds Planning Hub is independent and not affiliated with NLRG.
Lechlade Town Council
The Town Council will be submitting a response and may hold public meetings.
lechladetowncouncil.gov.ukLast updated: December 2025. This page summarises publicly available information to help residents understand and engage with the planning process. For definitive information, refer to official consultation documents on the Council's website.