By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
The Cotswold areas which could see thousands of new homes and a new village built in coming years have been revealed – amid frustration over “ridiculous” housing targets.
Cotswold District Council has published draft options for future housing development in response to a sharp rise in government-imposed targets for new homes.
The number of homes the council needs to plan for each year has more than doubled to 1,036. This was done as part of a national drive to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament.
In early November, the council will launch a public consultation once the cabinet endorses potential development scenarios later this month.
The council has developed several strategic options based on land that could be available, and housing that could be delivered in the time period.
The recommended option will be discussed by councillors next week and include a new village near Driffield along with extensions to Kemble, Ampney Crucis, Preston, Siddington, Fairford, Moreton-in-Marsh and Cirencester.
The plans, which would deliver 14,660 homes by 2043, also include smaller developments in other towns and villages with potential development areas outside of the National Landscape across the north, south and east of the district.
Only one of the options meets the full government target, and this involves building within the Cotswold National Landscape, which is unlikely to be viable under current planning rules.
Council leader Mike Evemy (LD, Siddington and Cerney Rural) believes the district has been dealt a “really tough hand”.
“Over 80 per cent of our district is protected National Landscape, which severely limits where houses can be built,” he said.
“Yet we’re expected to plan for 18,650 homes over the next 18 years – a staggering number.”
Opposition leader Tom Stowe has also hit out at the housing targets and believes these are “deeply concerning times for residents of the Cotswolds”.
“We accept that there is a need for additional housing in the district but much like a lot of the Government’s policies this is ill-thought out, poorly executed and with little regard for consequences,” he said.
“Both the leader of CDC and North Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown have written to the secretary of state highlighting the unique challenges that Cotswold District faces against these ridiculous, arbitrary housing targets imposed by the Government.
“The Government has slapped down these concerns and as it stands CDC has no option but to press on and start to work out where this housing can possibly go.
“This report and options appraisal highlights what this looks like in practice and it’s grim reading. This is another attack by the Government on rural areas, villages and towns across the district are going to be irreversibly changed under these plans.
“Now is the time for the Government to listen, review the evidence, accept it is wrong and open discussions about revising the housing numbers for the district to a more sensible and sustainable figure.”
The council is also talking with neighbouring authorities exploring whether they can help meet the shortfall.
The consultation in November will also include a call for further sites in the district that have potential to be used for housing.
“It’s crucial to emphasise that at this stage, these numbers are indicative and high-level,” said Cllr Evemy.
“The figures are based on sites that currently have planning permission, as well as sites that have been put forward to the council by landowners, which have potential for housing.
“This consultation is about testing ideas and hearing from residents who know their communities best.
“Some sites might be discounted; other new sites may come forward.
“This marks the beginning of an important conversation on how we manage the Government’s demands for a huge increase in housing development, which I know is going to be difficult at times.”
While the council fully supports more affordable housing for local people, it has challenged the scale of the government’s targets.
In July, Cllr Evemy wrote to Angela Rayner, the previous Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, requesting a rethink. In response, the minister said there would be no change to housing numbers and that the council should proceed with a full update to its Local Plan.
“I’m very frustrated by the excessive housing target that’s been foisted on us. But this is a chance to shape our own future,” he added.
“We want communities to help decide where development goes and what infrastructure is needed — not Whitehall. And if we don’t act now, developers will shape the district with piecemeal applications.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said in July, when the housing targets were increased, that the changes are necessary to fix the country’s foundations and grow the economy.
They said the new targets will mean councils must boost housebuilding in areas most in need, helping more people buy their own homes, removing the largest barriers to economic growth, and getting Britain building again.
The Government says the new approach reflects the level of ambition necessary to tackle the housing crisis and meet the government’s commitment to 1.5 million homes.
The Cotswold District Council’s six-week consultation, starting on Bonfire Night, is the first of two which will take place before the final plan is submitted to the Secretary of State in December 2026 for an independent examination.
Details on how to take part will be shared by the council soon.