Residents across the Cotswolds are voicing strong opposition to council proposals that would see nearly 19,000 new homes built in the area over the next two decades. The plans, unveiled by Cotswold District Council, outline a significant expansion that would fundamentally alter some of the region’s most cherished and picturesque communities.
Among the towns and villages earmarked for substantial development is Moreton-in-Marsh, known for notable figures such as Dame Prue Leith and DJ Calvin Harris; it could face the construction of 2,217 new houses. Other communities targeted include Cirencester with 3,717 homes, Down Ampney with 1,658, and Preston with 1,368. Smaller villages like Mickleton (1,238 homes), Fairford (1,141), Kemble (1,020), and Siddington (372) are also included in the plan.
This blueprint, which forms part of the council’s new local plan, proposes 18,900 new homes to be completed by 2043. Along with housing, it outlines improvements including new schools, transport links, health centres, parks and community buildings to support the growing populations.
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However, many locals describe the plans as “horrifying” and fear their villages will be overwhelmed, effectively turning them into towns. Annett and Andrew Stevens, lifelong residents of Moreton-in-Marsh and members of the local action group Moreton Against Overdevelopment, expressed deep concerns.
“There comes a time when enough is enough. We’ve attended countless meetings, but the council just steamrolls ahead,” Andrew, 68, said. “It’s like we’re banging our heads against a wall. They hold these meetings to appear democratic, but no one living here wants more development. We feel powerless.”
Annett added that the current infrastructure is already struggling. “The roads are terrible, congested with heavy farm vehicles and traffic diverted from main routes. The council claims infrastructure is adequate, but that is not the case.”
The couple considered legal action, including hiring a planning lawyer, but the high costs and lack of coordinated effort prevented this.
Similar apprehension was voiced by residents in Fairford. Alison Sadler, 55, whose home overlooks a large cornfield proposed for development, only recently learned of the plans. She said, “If this goes ahead, we’ll definitely sell up. We moved here for the peaceful countryside and have been told before buying that the land wasn’t suitable for building. The narrow roads and existing flooding issues would be worsened by this development.”
She also highlighted deficiencies in local healthcare services: “There’s only one surgery with limited doctors and one private dentist with an 18-month waiting list. I can’t see how they will accommodate thousands more residents.”
In Mickleton, Grace Webb, 38, a mother of two, expressed worries about education and road maintenance. “After new houses were built near us, it took years for road repairs, and only after persistent complaints. I’m devastated to think my children might be unable to attend the local primary school once development is complete.”
Carol, 75, who recently moved to Mickleton, said, “The village is lovely now, but soon it will be a town. The proposed facilities are insufficient. Most new residents will commute to nearby cities, increasing traffic on already overloaded roads.”
In contrast, council leader Mike Evemy defended the proposals, stating the plan is “vital to address housing needs, curb unplanned developments, and provide for current and future generations.” He explained that the plan aims to build between 420 and 1,550 homes per year in phased increases until 2043, with approximately 40% designated as affordable housing.
“Failing to progress a new local plan leaves us vulnerable to speculative development, reduces our influence over growth, and risks costly appeals,” Mr Evemy said. “This plan offers the best route to manage the district’s future, delivering homes, jobs, and services while protecting the Cotswolds’ unique heritage and landscape.”
The proposal will undergo a six-week public consultation from 24 August to 5 October, pending council approval. It is scheduled for review by the overview and scrutiny committee on 3 August, the cabinet on 6 August, and full council on 12 August. Following this, it will be submitted to the Secretary of State, with adoption anticipated by March 2028.