Plans to build 14,665 new homes across the Cotswolds have sparked widespread concern among residents, with many warning that the scale of development threatens to cause irreversible damage to the area’s cherished landscape and heritage.
The new housing targets, imposed by the Government, represent a 35% increase in expected growth and require the Cotswold District Council to accommodate these homes over the next 18 years. However, with the Cotswolds National Landscape covering 79% of the district, most new housing is being concentrated in the remaining 21% of land, outside areas designated as outstanding natural beauty.
This concentration of development is mainly focused around towns such as Cirencester, Fairford, and Moreton-in-Marsh, resulting in high-density housing projects that many residents consider unsustainable and unsuitable for the rural character of the region.
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A poll commissioned by the Ampney Crucis Residents Action Group, conducted by Electoral Calculus and Find Out Now, gauged resident opinions across the district. Of the 116 respondents, over half opposed the draft local plan, with 64% feeling that the proposed development is excessive. Approximately two-thirds were also against concentrating new homes around the three key towns.
One of the most dramatic examples of local opposition comes from the village of Ampney Crucis near Cirencester. Currently home to around 245 houses, the village is slated to more than triple in size to 905 homes—a 270% increase. The Residents Action Group emphasizes that Ampney Crucis, known for its 45 listed buildings and well-preserved Conservation Area, lacks the infrastructure necessary to support such expansion.
They caution, “A 660-home urban extension in Ampney Crucis would cause irreversible harm to a heritage landscape that cannot be restored once lost. The village’s quiet country lanes, primary school, transport network, and local services are simply insufficient to handle this surge.”
Concerns extend beyond Ampney Crucis, reflecting a broader unease among Cotswold residents about the feasibility and impact of the Government-imposed targets. Many feel the plans prioritize quantity over quality, risking the unique character and environment of the district.
The consultation on the Cotswold District Council’s local plan is ongoing and open to public comment until January 2, 2026. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their views to shape the future development of the region.