Plans to build 280 homes on agricultural land adjacent to Cirencester have been approved, raising fears that the nearby Cotswold village of Preston could be absorbed by expanding urban development. Robert Hitchins Ltd received outline permission to develop over 33 acres off Kingshill Lane, Preston, a move that has drawn opposition from local residents and parish councils.
The proposals sparked a debate at Cotswold District Council’s planning committee on June 11, where 38 objections were voiced along with formal concerns from Preston, Cirencester, and Siddington councils. Julie Tomblin, chairman of Preston Parish Council, emphasized the village’s distinct rural character, highlighting its community events, village hall, and green spaces that currently separate it from the town of Cirencester.
She warned that the development on this prominent green wedge would blur the line between the village and urban area, threatening Preston’s identity. Tomblin requested the creation of a green buffer between the new housing and Kingshill Lane and supported calls from Active Travel England to refuse the application without improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
READ MORE: Big Cat Expert Launches New Sunday Car Boot Sale at Pub on the A38
READ MORE: Discovering Newark Park: A National Trust Estate with Feathered Residents and Friendly Warnings
The development is expected to generate roughly 10,000 additional car journeys weekly, mainly along the narrow Kingshill Lane, which lacks safe pedestrian pathways. Tomblin proposed a new footpath behind the local football club linking to schools, as well as safer road crossing measures at the busy A419 junction to prevent increased traffic through the village.
Councillor Joe Harris acknowledged the tension between preserving the Cotswolds’ heritage and addressing a growing housing need. Highlighting that nearly 800 people in Cirencester alone are on the housing waiting list, she stressed that 40% of the proposed homes—112 units—would be affordable, including options for social rent and shared ownership to support local families and workers.
Councillor Mike Evemy explained that government-imposed housing targets compel the council to approve developments like this one to meet the demand for 1,036 homes per year across the district. Although some councillors pushed to delay the decision so they could visit the site, the motion was narrowly defeated. Ultimately, permission was granted with delegated authority by a close vote.
The decision marks a significant step in balancing regional growth and community preservation, with residents and officials continuing to debate how best to manage development while protecting the Cotswold’s rural identity.