Leaders in the Cotswolds have voiced strong concerns over the government’s new housing targets, describing them as “totally unrealistic” and warning they could severely impact the character and vitality of local communities. Officials fear that the pressure to meet ambitious housing quotas may lead to overdevelopment, straining infrastructure and eroding the unique rural environment that residents cherish. They argue that these targets fail to account for the specific needs and limitations of the Cotswold area, and urge for a more tailored approach that balances housing growth with preserving community heritage and quality of life.