A leaked document has caused outrage in the Cotswolds as it reveals a ‘secret’ plan to build thousands of new homes in the area. Gloucestershire County Council has been developing a long-term growth plan for the county, which includes the construction of 23,000 new homes between Cirencester and Kemble. However, there are concerns that these plans could double the local population, putting strain on the area’s infrastructure and negatively impacting its beauty and character.
Cotswold District Council leader, Joe Harris, strongly criticized the plans, comparing it to building a new city the size of Milton Keynes. He questioned the secrecy surrounding the plans and their feasibility, as adding 23,000 new homes would nearly double the existing housing stock in the Cotswolds.
Harris emphasized the importance of prioritizing the development of brown-field sites and smaller-scale projects that offer genuinely affordable housing while preserving the area’s distinctive character. He also highlighted that the Cotswolds are internationally recognized as a special place to visit and that the majority of development should not fall within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The leader of Cotswold District Council expressed concerns about the strain on the area’s infrastructure, including roads, sewage networks, and healthcare services, which are already stretched thinly. He warned that implementing these proposals would only worsen these challenges, turning the Cotswolds into a construction site for the foreseeable future.
Controversial Plans for Housebuilding in the Cotswolds Unveiled
In a shocking revelation, it has been exposed that plans for substantial development in the Cotswolds area were devised in secret, without any consideration for transparency or community engagement. A map, part of the document, has identified various areas in Gloucestershire, including the Cotswolds, as potential sites for housebuilding between 2031 and 2051.
Despite the Cotswolds being a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), certain parcels of land have been earmarked for development. These sites include areas near Twekesbury, Cheltenham, and the highly disputed region close to Cirencester.
Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire District Council, has responded to the controversy by stating that the county council holds no responsibility for housing. However, he acknowledges their obligation to collaborate with district councils on transportation matters, and claims that the document is a direct outcome of their joint efforts.
It is important to note that this plan does not hold any authority as a county council policy or plan, as it exceeds their statutory powers. The battle between preservation and development in the Cotswolds continues to rage on.
