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
Council now reviewing all responses
Your next opportunity to comment — harder to change at this stage
Independent inspector examines the plan
The Reg 18 consultation has closed. The council is now reviewing responses. The Reg 19 consultation expected in June 2026 will be your next opportunity to comment — stay informed.
Stay informed
The Reg 18 consultation has closed. Sign up for updates to be notified when the Reg 19 consultation opens.