South Cerney
Minimal growth proposed with no new allocations - windfall-only approach with strong Neighbourhood Plan protection
1,318
Current homes
111
Additional by 2043
8%
Growth
90.9%
NP support
What the Local Plan Proposes
| Source | Homes |
|---|---|
| Planning permissions | 6 |
| Windfalls | 105 |
| New allocation | 0 |
| Total 2025-2043 | 111 |
Source: Local Plan Table 2
What This Means
South Cerney would see minimal growth of just 8% (111 homes), with no new allocations proposed. All growth would come from windfall sites.
This is notable because South Cerney is outside the National Landscape - yet it has lower growth than many settlements within the protected area.
CDC's Own Evidence
The Council's own evidence base documents reveal key constraints affecting South Cerney. Use these findings in your consultation response.
Landscape Sensitivity Assessment
The Landscape Sensitivity Assessment identifies two zones around South Cerney:
| Zone | Location | Sensitivity | Key Constraints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 20 | North/NE | M-H | Golf course, Water Park lakes |
| Zone 22 | West | M-H to H | Partial SLA, River Thames corridor |
Habitat Regulations Assessment Concerns
The Cotswold Water Park presents unique ecological sensitivities:
"Cotswold Lakes [are] identified as functionally linked habitat for Severn Estuary qualifying bird species."
Source: Habitat Regulations Assessment, November 2025
- Development could affect recreational pressure on water bodies
- Water Park lakes support protected bird species
- Flood risk considerations from former gravel pits
Why Minimal Growth?
Despite being outside the National Landscape, South Cerney's minimal growth (8%) reflects multiple constraints:
Water Park
Ecological sensitivity of former gravel pits
Flood Risk
Low-lying areas with water constraints
How to use this evidence
When responding to the consultation, you can cite these official findings to support arguments about ecological sensitivity, the Water Park's importance for protected species, and the appropriateness of the windfall-only approach for South Cerney.
Site-Specific Constraints
The Site Assessment Sheets identify significant constraints for Zone 14 (South of South Cerney) which help explain the windfall-only approach.
Heritage Assets
South Cerney Castle
NHLE: 1003422 | Located within 120m of potential development area
Scheduled Monument requiring Heritage Impact Assessment
Ranbury Ring
NHLE: 1003322 | Scheduled Monument in surrounding area
Conservation Area Setting
"South Cerney Conservation Area and Listed Buildings setting make whole western part very sensitive"
Water & Resource Constraints
Source Protection Zone
Zone 14 is fully located within a Source Protection Zone
Drinking Water Safeguarding
Half of zone intersects with Drinking Water Safeguarding Zone
Mineral Safeguarding Area
"Almost wholly located" within MSA - significant negative effects likely
North Meadow SAC
Almost two-thirds within Outer Zone of Influence
Ecological Designations
- Cotswold Water Park NIA: Quarter of Zone 14 on eastern side falls within the Nature Improvement Area
- Cotswold Water Park SSSI: River corridors likely hydrologically linked to the SSSI
- Ancient Woodlands: Lie to the north and east of Zone 14
- SSSI IRZs: Eastern edge has restriction on discharge of water - requires Natural England consultation
Public Transport Accessibility: Critical Issues
Zone 14 has severe accessibility constraints - ALL key services rated IMPOSSIBLE by public transport:
| Service | Time | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket | IMPOSSIBLE | Orange |
| Hospital | IMPOSSIBLE | Orange |
| GP | IMPOSSIBLE | Orange |
| Primary Education | IMPOSSIBLE | Orange |
| Secondary Education | IMPOSSIBLE | Orange |
No train station within 5km. Overall accessibility score: Orange. This severe lack of public transport access strongly supports the windfall-only approach.
How to cite these constraints
Reference "Site Assessment Sheets, Appendix A, Zone 14" in your response. The combination of water protection zones, ecological designations, and complete inaccessibility by public transport justifies the minimal growth approach for South Cerney.
Neighbourhood Plan: Made December 2021
Strong community mandate
South Cerney has a made Neighbourhood Plan, approved at referendum in December 2021 with 90.9% support.
The zero new allocation may reflect the community's plan for the village.
Key Issues for Residents
Why Minimal Growth?
- Outside National Landscape but only 8% growth
- Did the Neighbourhood Plan limit development?
- Are there other constraints (flooding, ecology)?
Cotswold Water Park
- Located within the Water Park area
- Flood risk considerations
- Ecological sensitivity of former gravel pits
Windfall-Only Growth
- No new allocations, only windfalls
- Is this a sustainable approach?
Village Services
- What services are available?
- Can they support even modest growth?
Timeline
December 2021
Neighbourhood Plan made (90.9% support)
14 November 2025
Local Plan consultation opens
2 January 2026
Consultation closes
Have Your Say
The consultation closes 2 January 2026.
Submit Your Response
- Online: Consultation Portal
- Email: local.plan@cotswold.gov.uk (CC: planning@cotswold.gov.uk)
Local Contacts
South Cerney Parish Council
southcerney-pc.gov.uk
Last updated: December 2025. For definitive information, refer to official consultation documents on the Council's website.