Plans for a new housing estate consisting of 195 homes in the picturesque Cotswold market town of Moreton-in-Marsh have been approved despite widespread local opposition over infrastructure capacity and environmental concerns.
The ruling came after a planning inspector allowed Bloor Homes Western’s appeal against Cotswold District Council’s refusal of permission in October last year. Following independent legal advice that the council’s case was unlikely to succeed and to avoid additional costs, the council chose not to contest the appeal.
The development has faced strong resistance from local authorities including Moreton and Shipton-under-Wychwood town councils as well as Bledington Parish Council. Community campaign groups such as Bledington Flood Group and Windrush Against Sewerage Pollution raised particular alarms about sewerage capacity, drainage issues, and the risk of flooding.
Currently, the existing wastewater treatment works serving the area lack sufficient capacity to process the additional foul water from the proposed homes. Thames Water has, however, confirmed that upgrade works can be completed and provided an estimated 20-month timeline for these improvements.
Inspector Owen Woodwards concluded that the adverse impacts of the development would not significantly outweigh its benefits, thereby granting the appeal. The decision was met with disappointment from Moreton County Councillor Daryl Corps, who expressed grave concerns from residents regarding the potential strain on roads, infrastructure, public services, and the wastewater system.
Councillor Corps lamented the district council’s late withdrawal from opposition, leaving local councils, community groups, and residents to pursue objections alone. He also criticized national housing targets imposed on rural areas, which he argues constrain local planning influence and increasingly shift decision-making to appeal outcomes.
Undeterred by the ruling, Councillor Corps pledged to rigorously oversee enforcement of all planning conditions and advocate for necessary infrastructure enhancements, emphasizing that Moreton should not bear the burden of additional growth without proper support systems in place.
This decision aligns with the government’s broader commitment to building 1.5 million new homes within the current parliamentary term, part of a strategy to address housing shortages, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and improve access to home ownership nationwide.