By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There are serious concerns that a Cotswolds town will be overwhelmed by thousands of new homes.
Cotswold District Council has seen its housing target increased by the Government this year.
The authority has set a target of more than 18,600 new homes by 2043.
To try to meet this demand, new sites of housing growth have been identified across the district.
And one of those areas which will likely see large amount of development is Moreton-in-Marsh.
Councillor Daryl Corps (C), who represents the town at the District Council, said he was shocked by the housing target set by the Government.
“The scale being proposed is completely out of step with what Moreton-in-Marsh can sustain,” he said.
“Residents are already telling me they feel ignored and I share their anger and frustration.”
He said town residents recognise there is a need for some new homes for locals.
But the housing growth expected in Moreton is just too much.
“We all recognise the need for some new homes for local people, but these top-down Government targets would overwhelm us and destroy the place we love.
“And where the hell are they all going to go? On our beautiful fields, that’s where. It’s a tragedy.
“This will not only have a devastating effect on Moreton-in-Marsh, but also the surrounding villages.
“This deeply depressing news just shows that the Labour Government in London knows nothing about, and has no care whatsoever for, Moreton-in-Marsh or the people who live here. It makes me so angry.
“I care deeply about this community and the people who call it home. I will continue to stand up for Moreton-in-Marsh and our neighbouring villages, and fight against these unrealistic and devastating housing demands.
“Our area deserves a fair say and a fair share not to be treated as the dumping ground for national housing targets.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has been approached for comment.
The Government previously said the new housing targets are aimed at paving the way to deliver 1.5 million more homes across the country.
They hope this will tackle the housing crisis and the new targets mean councils must boost housebuilding in areas most in need, helping more people buy their own homes.
They said the new rules set out in July reverse a decision by the previous Government
“Supporting the government’s number one mission to grow the economy across the country, these new targets will flow into the development of local plans. It is through local plans that communities have a say in the building of the homes and infrastructure we need,” the ministry said in a press release at the time.