Cotswolds local plan consultation hit by technical concerns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

Cotswold district council faces complaints over its online consultation on plans for almost 19,000 new homes.

Cotswold district council is creating a new local plan to guide development over the next 20 years across the council area. The plan proposes major expansion to market towns and creation of large villages, with 3,717 new homes in and around Cirencester, 2,217 in Moreton-in-Marsh, 1,658 in Down Ampney and 1,238 in Mickleton.

Campaigners have reported problems with the council's online consultation portal. The village campaign group Mickleton Against Inappropriate Development claim the form is flawed and does not allow residents to comment meaningfully. They say the form has changed without notice from the council and that earlier representations were discounted for not following the requested format. More than 1,000 responses have been submitted so far.

Cotswold district council denies there have been technical faults with the system and has offered reassurance that no submissions have been lost despite claims to the contrary. Council leaders say the local plan is 'absolutely vital' to curb speculative development. The plan has sparked strong opposition across the district, with residents concerned it will damage the character of their communities. The consultation deadline has been extended to give people further opportunity to respond.

How it is being reported

• 'Last chance' as Cotswold communities brace for 19,000 new homesA new deadline date has been setGloucestershire Live · 20 Oct, 06:00
• Latest on major plans for 19,000 homes across CotswoldsThere are concerns people trying to have their say on plans to build almost 19,000 homes in the Cotswolds have faced difficulty and experienced errors.Wilts & Glos Standard · 19 Oct, 15:30

In this story: Cotswold district council · Cirencester · Moreton-in-Marsh · Down Ampney · Mickleton · Mickleton Against Inappropriate Development

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