Concerns are mounting that unauthorised developments in the Cotswolds may be going unchecked as the district grapples with a significant backlog of over 680 live planning enforcement cases reported last month.
The Cotswold District Council is working to address this issue by strengthening its planning enforcement team, aiming to reduce the backlog in the coming months.
During the March 18 full council meeting, this backlog was brought into sharp focus when Conservative Councillor Tom Stowe of Campden and Vale questioned whether current staffing levels were sufficient to provide an effective and timely service.
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Stowe, who has long raised alarms about the planning enforcement difficulties, expressed frustration that despite years of warnings, the situation has worsened under the current Liberal Democrat administration. He emphasized that these figures only tell part of the story. Residents report a lack of communication, infrequent updates, and little control over unauthorised developments, which is especially worrisome given plans for increased development in the district.
In response, Housing and Planning Cabinet Member Juliet Layton revealed that, as of March 9, there were 684 live enforcement cases, with 420 classified as backlog cases dating from December 31, 2024, or earlier.
Layton noted that the enforcement team has recently undergone restructuring, now consisting of six positions, with four currently filled – two of whom are agency staff recruited in January. Another officer position is expected to be filled by the end of March, and a staff member returning from long-term sickness will also rejoin by late March or early April.
“With full staffing restored, we anticipate having the capacity to address the backlog effectively in the coming months,” Layton concluded. She added that due to the complex nature of planning enforcement, some cases will inevitably remain open, particularly when formal action or new planning applications are necessary.
Layton also mentioned her planned attendance at an upcoming scrutiny meeting to discuss enforcement issues further with officers and answer related questions.