Councils have proposed a plan to build 19,000 new homes across the Cotswolds, sparking significant opposition from local villagers who fear the expansion will change the character of their communities. The comprehensive plan, unveiled by Cotswold District Council, aims to reshape some of the region’s most picturesque areas over the next two decades.
Among the villages affected, Moreton-in-Marsh could see the construction of 2,217 houses. Other communities facing considerable development include Cirencester (3,717 homes), Down Ampney (1,658 homes), and Preston (1,368 homes).
Additional villages set to expand include Mickleton with 1,238 homes, Fairford 1,141, Kemble 1,020, and Siddington 372. The plan outlines developments spanning twenty years until 2043, with the inclusion of new schools, transport routes, health centres, parks, and community buildings.
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However, some residents are deeply unsettled by the proposals, describing them as “horrifying” and expressing concern that villages may lose their village identity to become densely populated towns.
Annett and Andrew Stevens, lifelong residents of Moreton-in-Marsh and members of the group Moreton Against Overdevelopment, voiced their frustrations. Andrew said, “We are not all NIMBYs; a substantial amount of building has already taken place, but there comes a point when enough is enough. We have attended countless meetings, but the council seems to push through regardless. It feels like we’re banging our heads against a wall.”
He added that the council conducts numerous meetings to give the impression of democratic engagement but ignores local objections. “We are powerless against them,” he lamented.
Annett highlighted infrastructure concerns: “They claim the infrastructure in Moreton is adequate, but that’s not true. The roads are in a poor state, with heavy traffic and congestion, especially on the smaller back roads when the main routes are blocked.”
The couple also explored legal avenues to challenge the developments, including hiring a planning lawyer, but found the costs prohibitive. Andrew commented, “It would have cost £10,000 to secure top legal advice. Unless you’re adept with digital platforms and social media, it’s very hard to keep informed and effectively contest these decisions.”
In Fairford, Alison Sadler, who recently moved there, was taken aback by the development plans affecting a cornfield visible from her home. She remarked, “If this goes ahead, we will definitely sell our house. We bought here for the serene views and were assured in the buying process that the land wasn’t suitable for building. The narrow roads and frequent flooding already pose serious risks, which this development would exacerbate.”
Alison also criticised existing local services: “There’s only one medical surgery with limited doctors' hours, and the only dentist has an 18-month waiting list. I can’t see how the area can support so many new residents.”
In Mickleton, Grace Webb, who has lived in the village for five years with her young children, expressed concerns about education provision. “After a recent build of around 100 houses near us, it took three years for road repairs, and only because residents demanded it,” she said. “I worry whether the primary school close by will have space for all the new children.”
Carol, a recent resident of Mickleton, echoed similar sentiments about the village’s future. “It’s still a lovely village, but these plans will transform it into a town. Traffic will worsen, especially with many commuters travelling to Stratford or Birmingham, and the current road infrastructure is already inadequate.”
Council leader Mike Evemy defended the plan, stating that it is crucial to meet the rising housing demand and to control speculative developments. He explained, “If we don’t adopt this plan, our communities would face unchecked developments, with less say over where and how growth happens, and limited infrastructure to support it.”
He emphasised that the plan seeks to balance growth with preservation: “This is a rigorous and considered approach that ensures affordable homes, creates jobs, protects the Cotswolds’ heritage and landscapes, and addresses the climate crisis with efficient, low-energy homes.”
The proposal includes building 420 homes per year initially, increasing to over 1,500 homes annually in the later stages, with around 40 per cent designated as affordable housing. A six-week public consultation period is scheduled from 24 August to 5 October, pending council approval.
The plan will be reviewed by various council committees in early August before going to the Secretary of State. It is expected to be formally adopted by March 2028.