A controversial proposal by Bathurst Development Limited (BDL) to increase the number of homes occupied before the construction of a new school in Cirencester has sparked significant opposition from residents and local campaigners.
The developer has submitted plans to Cotswold District Council (CDC) requesting a change to the original agreement tied to their 2,350-home development south of Chesterton. This extensive project spans 297.5 acres and includes not only homes but also student accommodations, housing for the elderly, employment land, a primary school, a neighbourhood centre, public open spaces, allotments, playing fields, and pedestrian and cycle paths connecting to nearby roads.
Under the existing legal arrangement, no more than 499 homes can be occupied before the first phase of the new primary school is completed. BDL now wants to increase this cap to 1,000 homes. They also aim to extend the occupancy limit before the second phase of the school’s completion from 1,250 to 1,750 homes.
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BDL justifies the change by citing updated school place planning calculations, claiming that current school capacity can accommodate children from more homes than previously anticipated.
However, this proposal has been met with fierce criticism. On the council’s planning portal, 29 objections have been logged, reflecting community concerns about the strain on local infrastructure.
Former teacher John Nicholas highlighted the risk of insufficient school places forcing children to travel long distances to attend school. He warned that “falling birth rates” may not persist by the time 500 homes are occupied and emphasized that BDL would benefit financially if allowed to sell more houses without fulfilling their obligation to build the new school promptly.
Eileen Grout labelled the proposal an “unacceptable deferral of essential infrastructure,” warning that allowing so many homes to be occupied before securing necessary funding would overload current schools, undermining sustainable development principles.
James Bell criticized BDL’s attempt to backtrack on their original commitment, describing it as a lack of empathy toward the town and a threat to local infrastructure already under strain.
Mark Pratley, chair of the Save Our Cirencester campaign group, expressed concerns about increased travel burdens on families if local schools become overcrowded. He stressed that the availability of local schooling is a critical factor for prospective residents and warned that approval of this proposal could result in a large, inadequately supported housing estate on the town’s outskirts.
BDL has been contacted for comment on the objections raised.
Residents interested in the proposal can view and submit their opinions through Cotswold District Council’s planning portal by searching application number 25/03509/DMPO.