Cotswold District Council Plans 18,900 New Homes by 2043

The Cotswold District Council has unveiled a local plan to construct 18,900 homes across the Cotswolds by 2043. The proposal targets specific communities for significant growth, including 3,717 homes in Cirencester, 2,217 in Moreton-in-Marsh, 1,658 in Down Ampney, and 1,368 in Preston. Approximately 40% of homes in key sites are designated as affordable.

Construction is intended to scale gradually, starting at 420 homes annually for the first five years and increasing to 1,550 homes annually in the final five years of the plan. Council leader Mike Evemy defended the strategy as a necessary measure to address nationally calculated housing needs and avoid uncontrolled speculative development.

Local residents have reacted with fury, citing concerns over inadequate road infrastructure, lacking medical services, and school overcrowding. If approved by councillors, a six-week public consultation will take place from August 24 to October 5, 2026. The plan may be adopted in March 2028, pending approval from the Secretary of State.