Cotswold District Council is preparing to rewrite the rules—literally. After recent government planning reforms pushed their annual housing target from hundreds to over a thousand new homes, the council has confirmed it will fast-track updates to its local plan.
Under the new guidelines, the council must now allocate land for 1,036 homes every year. The tricky part? Around 80% of the district falls within the Cotswold National Landscape, where development is strictly limited. Understandably, this has sparked concern that sites once considered off-limits might now be eyed by developers.
The current local plan had comfortably exceeded previous housing supply requirements, mapping out land for development over a seven-year period. But with the government shifting the goalposts, the council says it’s no longer enough.
“We’re at a turning point,” said Council Leader Mike Evemy. “If we don’t act now, we’ll lose control over where and how new homes are built for years to come.”
To stay ahead of the curve, the council is aiming to adopt a refreshed local plan by 2027. And this won’t be a behind-closed-doors process—residents, local businesses, town and parish councils, community groups, and environmental organisations will all be invited to have their say.
This autumn, a public consultation will open, asking for thoughts not just on new housing, but also on the bigger picture: schools, healthcare services, transport links, job opportunities, and the wider infrastructure needed to support a growing population.
New builds are on the rise across the UK, and councils are making space for what’s coming next. If you’ve been considering a new build project—whether it’s your dream home or a small development—now might be the perfect time to get started. At Homz, we’re here to guide you through the entire planning journey, from first ideas to full permission. We make complex things feel simple, and we do it with you. Let’s talk about what you have in mind: Contact Us Today!
