MP: Housing targets risk decimating unique character of Cotswolds
Summary
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Conservative MP for the North Cotswolds, has hit out at government plans to build more than 18,000 new homes over the next 18 years, doubling previous housing targets. More details of the plans and which places are likely to be most affected by new housing were revealed in Cotswold District Council’s complete draft of its Local Plan which was published last month .
Details
Sir Geoffrey said the 18,000 new homes proposed for the Cotswolds was in contrast to the 40,000 houses proposed for the whole of Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. He said on Facebook: “While new homes are needed, I believe this level of development is disproportionate and risks decimating the unique character of the Cotswolds.
“Communities such as Mickleton will have 1,238 extra houses and Moreton-in-Marsh a further 2,217. This is completely disproportionate. “The lack of funding for infrastructure is also a problem.
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The council must ensure investment in schools, especially a new secondary school, healthcare, transport, drainage and water infrastructure, which should be completed before the housing is built. Without the latter, we will face problems with flooding and river pollution. “There are also concerns over housing affordability and whether promised infrastructure will be delivered.
We need a better housing mix of one and two bedroom houses for young people to get on the housing ladder and elderly people to downsize, not just three bedroom executive homes.” He added: “It would seem that this Government’s 1.5m housing target is completely unattainable with the current rate of house building.
I urge all constituents to respond to the consultation and make their voices heard.” Subject to approval by councillors, residents will get to have their say during a six-week consultation from August 24 to October 5, 2026.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester