There has been significant disappointment expressed over the limited number of truly affordable homes included in the latest phase of a major 2,350-home expansion project in Cirencester.
Cotswold District Council planners have approved detailed plans for 129 homes alongside four ground-floor community use spaces on land south west of Alexander Drive and east of The Maples. These proposals form part of the Bathurst Estate’s broader Steadings development.
During the planning committee meeting held on 11 August, council officers confirmed that the scheme would deliver a mix of one to four-bedroom properties, with 40 units designated as affordable housing. However, concerns were raised about the breakdown of these affordable homes, particularly that only three would be allocated for social rent.
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Liberal Democrat Councillor Patrick Coleman from Stratton voiced strong disappointment over the scarcity of genuinely affordable properties, stating: “How on earth with 129 dwellings do we think that 2.3 per cent social rented [properties] would be adequate? Especially given the challenges of falling school numbers and the current cost of living.”
He highlighted the figures detailed in the report, pointing out that 22 homes would be allocated as affordable rent, which he argued are effectively unaffordable, accompanied by just three social rented units, 15 shared-ownership properties, and 89 market-rate dwellings.
Councillor Coleman emphasised the limited provision of affordable housing with three four-bedroom dwellings and no apartments, questioning why there could not be affordable flats closer to the town centre. He further queried how the council had been persuaded to approve such a low proportion of social housing, referring to the original Steadings outline application.
In response, case officer Julian Pye explained that the current plans complied with the previously granted outline planning permission. He noted that planning policy allows for a mix of affordable housing types, and while opinions on the adequacy of such provision may vary, the definition of affordable housing includes different categories.
Representing Harper Crewe, Greg Evans stated that the company was familiar with Cirencester and had successfully delivered the first phase of homes at the Steadings. He expressed enthusiasm for continuing to deliver new homes at these sustainably located sites and emphasised that the scheme was designed to respond sensitively to the character of the area, integrating with neighbouring plots.
During the debate, Conservative Councillor David Fowles of Coln Valley proposed granting approval in line with officer recommendations, citing that it had been seven years since the outline planning permission was granted. Liberal Democrat Councillor Paul Evans of The Beeches seconded the motion, and the committee voted unanimously to approve the application.
The decision marks a significant step forward in the ongoing expansion of Cirencester, though the debate highlights continuing tensions around the provision of affordable housing within new developments.