Cotswold Councillors Discuss New Homes Proposals
Town and parish councillors and clerks from across the Cotswolds met in Moreton-in-Marsh on Wednesday to review plans for building over 18,000 new homes in the district, in response to government housing targets.
The meeting outlined various potential locations for these homes, highlighting the Cotswold District Council’s "preferred option," which would provide 14,660 new houses.
This was the first of two meetings organized by Cotswold District Council to assist community leaders in understanding the importance of participating in the upcoming Local Plan consultation, which opens for public feedback on November 14. The second meeting will take place in Cirencester next week.
Speakers at the Meeting
- Cllr Mike Evemy, council leader
- Cllr Juliet Layton, cabinet member for housing and planning
- Members of the council’s planning team
Key Points from the Opening Address
Cllr Evemy highlighted the government's significant challenge, which has more than doubled the housing requirement for the district.
He emphasized that finding suitable development sites is particularly difficult in the Cotswolds, where over 80% of the land is designated as protected National Landscape.
Next Steps
The council encourages all community leaders to actively engage with the Local Plan consultation to help shape the future development of the district.
Author’s summary: Cotswold councillors gather to discuss ambitious housing proposals amid challenges posed by protected landscapes and increased government targets.