How to Respond to the Local Plan
Your step-by-step guide to making your voice heard. No planning experience needed.
What is this consultation?
Cotswold District Council is asking for your views on their Draft Local Plan 2043.
This plan will decide where new homes, businesses and infrastructure are built across the district for the next 18 years. It affects everyone who lives, works or visits here.
Your response matters. The council must consider all responses, and an independent inspector will check they've properly addressed the issues raised.
Who can respond?
Anyone. You don't need to be a planning expert or even live in the area.
How long does it take?
A simple response takes 10-15 minutes. More detailed responses might take longer.
Does it cost anything?
No. Responding is completely free.
How to Write Your Response
Follow these steps to write an effective response. You can object to parts you disagree with, support parts you like, or suggest changes.
Start with your details
Include your name, address, and email. Anonymous responses carry less weight.
Example:
Jane Smith, 12 High Street, Cirencester, GL7 1AA
Say which part of the plan you're commenting on
Be specific. You can comment on:
- A specific site - e.g. "Site allocation MIM1 at Moreton-in-Marsh"
- A policy - e.g. "Policy DS3 (Development Strategy)"
- Housing numbers for your area - e.g. "The housing allocation for Fairford"
- The overall approach - e.g. "The distribution of growth across the district"
Example:
"I am responding to the proposed housing allocation for [your village/town name] as set out in Table 2 of the Draft Local Plan."
State your position clearly
Say whether you:
Object
You disagree and want it changed
Support
You agree and want it kept
Suggest changes
You agree in principle but want modifications
Example:
"I object to this proposal..." or "I support this policy because..." or "I suggest the following modification..."
Explain your reasons using planning matters
This is the most important part. Focus on issues that matter in planning:
Weak: "The roads can't cope with more traffic."
Strong: "The junction at [name] already experiences queuing at school drop-off times. Adding 200+ homes will significantly worsen this. I have observed queues of 10+ vehicles regularly."
Say what change you want
Be clear about what you're asking for:
Examples:
"I ask that this site be removed from the plan."
"I ask that the housing number for [village] be reduced from X to Y."
"I ask that infrastructure improvements be required before development can proceed."
"I support this policy and ask that it be retained unchanged."
Example Responses
Name: [Your name]
Address: [Your address]
Responding to: Housing allocation for [Village Name] in Table 2 of the Draft Local Plan
Position: I object to the proposed allocation of [X] homes for [Village Name].
Reasons: The sewage system in [Village Name] is already at capacity. Thames Water data shows [X] hours of sewage spills in 2023. Adding [X] homes will worsen this problem. The village has no GP surgery and the nearest is 5 miles away with limited capacity. The proposed growth of [X]% is disproportionate compared to similar villages.
Change requested: I ask that the housing allocation for [Village Name] be reduced from [X] to [Y] homes, and that sewage infrastructure upgrades be completed before any development proceeds.
Name: [Your name]
Address: [Your address]
Responding to: Policy EN1 (Cotswolds National Landscape)
Position: I support this policy.
Reasons: The National Landscape is one of the Cotswolds' most important assets. Policy EN1 provides appropriate protection and I support the "great weight" given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty. This is consistent with national policy.
Request: I ask that this policy be retained in the final plan without weakening.
What Won't Help Your Response
These arguments don't carry weight in planning decisions:
"It will affect my property value"
"I'll lose my view"
"I was here first"
"I just don't want it"
How to Submit Your Response
Both methods below are official. Choose based on how detailed your response is.
Online Portal
The council's official consultation portal lets you comment directly on specific sections of the plan using "speech bubble" icons.
Best for: Quick comments on specific policies or sections. Good for simple objections or support statements.
By Email
Email your response as a letter or document. Request confirmation of receipt.
Best for: Detailed technical responses, attaching photos/evidence, referencing multiple policies, comprehensive arguments. Creates a clear paper trail.
Which method should I use?
"I object to the housing number for my village" - a few paragraphs on one topic
"I want to make detailed points about infrastructure, reference traffic data, attach photos of flooding, and comment on 3 different policies" - comprehensive submission
You can use both - quick comments on the portal AND a detailed email. They're both official and will be considered.
Top Tips
Ready to have your say?
Visit the council's consultation portal to submit your response.
Go to Consultation Portal