Local Plan Consultation
Cotswold District Council is consulting on its new Local Plan, which will guide planning decisions until 2043.
Why This Consultation is Different
In December 2024, the government changed the rules. The new "standard method" for calculating housing need more than doubled Cotswold's annual target overnight.
The standard method calculates housing need based on affordability ratios — because Cotswold house prices are high relative to local incomes, the formula assumes we need more homes. This doesn't account for:
- • Whether infrastructure can support this growth
- • That 80% of the district is protected National Landscape
- • That high prices are partly driven by second homes and holiday lets, not local demand
What is the Local Plan?
The Local Plan sets out:
- How much development — homes, employment, infrastructure needed
- Where it goes — which settlements grow and which sites are allocated
- What rules apply — policies on design, environment, heritage, transport
Once adopted, planning applications must follow it. This document decides whether your village gets 50 new homes or 500.
The Council's Response: Scenario 5
Faced with this new target, the Council has proposed "Scenario 5" — their preferred development strategy. Here's what it means:
Why only 79%?
84% of the district is constrained from strategic development:
- • 80% within the Cotswolds National Landscape
- • Flood Zone 3 areas
- • Heritage and conservation areas
- • Ecological designations (SSSIs, SACs)
Where growth is concentrated
With so much land protected, growth is concentrated in the 16% that remains:
- • South-east corridor — around Cirencester, Siddington, Preston
- • North-east — Moreton-in-Marsh area
- • New settlement — Driffield (2,100 homes)
Why Does This Matter?
Harder to object later
Once a site is allocated, the principle of development is established. Now is the time to raise concerns.
Neighbourhood Plans at risk
Some proposals would override local plans that communities spent years preparing.
18-year impact
The plan guides decisions until 2043. What's decided now shapes our communities for a generation.
Where We Are in the Process
Issues & Options, partial reviews
This is your chance to shape the plan before it's finalised
Final draft before submission — harder to change
Independent inspector examines the plan
This is the most important stage to respond. Once sites are allocated at Reg 19, the principle of development is largely established. Now is when your voice has the most impact.
Ready to respond?
The council accepts responses online or by email. Our guide shows you how to make your voice heard effectively.