A proposed housing development for 195 new homes in the charming Cotswold market town of Moreton-in-Marsh has been approved despite widespread community opposition. The decision, made by a planning inspector, came after Bloor Homes Western successfully appealed against the refusal by Cotswold District Council last October.
The district council had initially rejected the application for the estate off London Road but chose not to contest the appeal after receiving independent advice indicating a high probability of losing, which could have resulted in further legal costs for local taxpayers.
Strong objections were raised by the Moreton, Shipton-under-Wychwood, and Bledington town and parish councils, alongside community groups such as the Bledington Flood Group and Windrush Against Sewerage Pollution. Their key concerns centered on whether local infrastructure — particularly wastewater treatment, drainage, and flood defenses — could support the additional homes.
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The foul water from the new development is planned to be connected to the existing wastewater treatment works, which currently lacks the capacity for the increased discharge. Thames Water, however, has committed to necessary upgrade works estimated to be completed within 20 months.
Inspector Owen Woodwards approved the development, concluding that the benefits outweigh the potential adverse impacts and that any negative effects would not be significant or demonstrable enough to warrant refusal.
Moreton County Councillor Daryl Corps expressed deep disappointment over the ruling, emphasizing that residents have voiced concerns about the town’s capacity to handle further growth. He criticized the district council for effectively withdrawing opposition at the last minute, leaving local communities to continue the fight unsupported.
The councillor also blamed the central government’s high housing targets for rural areas like the Cotswolds, which he says limit councils' ability to influence planning decisions. “Once councils cannot demonstrate enough housing land, local communities find it increasingly difficult to influence planning decisions, with more and more being determined through the appeal process,” he remarked.
Despite the setback, Councillor Corps pledged to vigilantly scrutinize all conditions of the planning permission, challenge any weakening of infrastructure commitments, and ensure that Moreton’s roads, public services, and wastewater facilities are adequately supported as the town grows.
The government has committed to delivering 1.5 million new homes during the current parliamentary term, arguing that increased housing supply is essential to resolve issues like temporary accommodation shortages and barriers to homeownership for young people.