Cross-Party Call for Urgent Review of Cotswold Housing Targets

Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds, Dr Roz Savage, and Conservative MP for North Cotswolds, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, have jointly written to Housing Secretary Steve Reed MP urging the Government to rethink what they describe as “unrealistic and unsustainable” new housing targets for the Cotswolds. 

The letter highlights that the revised National Planning Policy Framework more than doubles the district’s annual housing requirement from 493 to 1,036 homes despite 80% of the Cotswolds being protected National Landscape. The MPs argue that the new targets ignore the area’s environmental sensitivity, limited developable land, and existing infrastructure pressures. 

Both MPs warn that the sudden increase has caused a major shock to the planning system. Under the new method, the district’s housing land supply has fallen from a manageable position to well below what is needed to maintain control of local planning decisions, leaving communities exposed to speculative, unplanned development. 

The Liberal Democrat–run Cotswold District Council has already raised strong objections, stressing that the targets cannot be met without causing severe environmental harm. Both MPs reaffirm that they support delivering more genuinely affordable homes for local people, but warn that doubling targets overnight will not solve affordability and risks making things worse. 

Roz said: 

“These new targets simply do not reflect the reality of the Cotswolds which is one of the most environmentally sensitive landscapes in the country. Forcing through this level of development risks the wrong homes in the wrong places, without the transport links, school places or healthcare facilities that sustainable communities need.” 

Sir Geoffrey added: 

“The Cotswolds faces an unprecedented challenge with housing targets doubling to 1,036 homes per year under the revised National Planning Policy Framework. This threatens our rural identity, farmland, and biodiversity. While the Council’s new plan proposes 18,000 more homes, I remain concerned about affordability, infrastructure, and flooding. We need sustainable growth that supports young families get on the housing ladder and older residents who want to downsize, not just large, expensive homes. I am working with Dr Roz Savage MP to urge the Government to reconsider these targets.” 

The letter requests a meeting between the Secretary of State (or the Housing Minister), Dr Roz Savage, and Cllr Mike Evemy, Leader of Cotswold District Council, to agree a more proportionate and sustainable approach. 

Residents can read more and contact Roz Savage MP at www.rozsavage.uk and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP at www.cliftonbrown.co.uk 

ENDS