Cotswold District Council (CDC) has come under sharp criticism after announcing its withdrawal from a public inquiry regarding the proposed development of 195 homes off London Road in Moreton-in-Marsh. This decision, described by some as “waving the white flag,” has stirred frustration among local residents and councillors alike.
The council had initially refused the housing proposal last year, deeming it unsustainable based on existing planning policies and expert advice. Despite appointing external legal and planning experts to defend this stance, the CDC recently decided to pull out of the appeal process. After reviewing new government proposals to national planning policies and additional evidence, independent advice suggested that the council’s chances of successfully contesting the appeal were slim. Continuing could result in significant financial burdens on local taxpayers.
Residents and local officials have voiced their disappointment with the council’s decision. Conservative Councillor Daryl Corps described it as “deeply troubling” and a “profoundly disappointing” setback for Moreton. He criticized the government’s imposition of housing targets on rural areas and accused the council of failing to adequately defend the concerns of local voters. Corps lamented that CDC’s withdrawal sends a “worrying signal” to developers, potentially encouraging further speculative building without thorough environmental assessments.
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Moreton Town Councillor Eileen Viviani expressed surprise at the council’s move but emphasized that the Town Council would still attend the inquiry. She highlighted the need to illustrate the cumulative impact of multiple developments on the town, which individual planning applications often fail to address adequately. The Town Council intends to advocate for residents and local businesses during the appeal.
Helen Martin, CDC’s director of communities and place, explained that revisions in national planning policy have significantly weakened the council’s ability to defend its refusal. Changes, such as a new presumption favoring developments near railway stations and a higher threshold for justifying refusals, have shifted the “tilted balance” policy in favor of housing approvals. This means the benefits of new homes now often outweigh the environmental and community concerns cited in refusals.
Liberal Democrat Council Leader Mike Evemy stressed that the withdrawal reflects not a lack of determination but an inflexible national system that prioritizes housing development over local interests. He called attention to ever-increasing housing targets and shifting policies that leave councils with untenable options: accept unwanted developments or incur costly legal battles with low chances of success. Evemy emphasized the critical need to finalize an updated Local Plan, seen as the best tool for regaining control over development decisions.
The Government has reiterated that local authorities must use their Local Plans to set development strategies under these constraints. It remains committed to delivering 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament, viewing increased housing supply as essential to resolving homelessness and homeownership challenges.
Despite the withdrawal from the inquiry, the council pledged to continue opposing developments where clear, demonstrable harm exists and to focus on securing positive outcomes for the community wherever possible.