Cotswold District Council Challenges Government on Housing Targets

Cotswold District Council has formally raised concerns about revised housing targets set by the government, prompting a response from officials. On July 22, 2023, Cllr Mike Evemy, the council leader, reached out to Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, expressing the council’s apprehensions regarding the implications of these targets on the region’s unique development constraints.

In his letter, Cllr Evemy highlighted the challenges faced by the Cotswold district, which is characterized by significant limitations such as a high proportion of land designated as National Landscape and areas prone to flood risks. He requested that the government reconsider its approach and pause what he described as a “disproportionate housing target.”

In reply, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, acknowledged the district’s constraints but maintained that all regions must contribute to fulfilling national housing demands. She emphasized the revised methodology’s focus on affordability and long-term planning goals. However, she did not provide any commitment to reassess the housing targets or offer temporary protections against speculative developments during the transition period as the new plan is being formulated.

Cllr Evemy expressed gratitude for the government’s response but noted that it failed to address the core issues raised. “We have already committed to updating the Local Plan and understand that this is the best tool for sustainable development. But what happens in the meantime?” he stated. He underscored that community concerns about imminent development are valid and pressing.

The council is currently facing the possibility of approving piecemeal developments in unsuitable areas. Cllr Evemy warned that this could lead to costly appeals for taxpayers, as developers may exploit the government’s housing targets to gain favorable outcomes. He pointed out that while other areas may have similar constraints, the Cotswold district stands out, with approximately 80 percent of its land under the protection of the Cotswolds National Landscape.

In his remarks, Cllr Evemy criticized the governmental response as largely reiterating national policy without offering tailored solutions to the specific challenges faced by the district. He emphasized the lack of clarity regarding how the government plans to support regions like the Cotswolds during this vulnerable transition phase.

“Our engagement with the government, local leaders, and our communities will continue. We aim to clearly articulate our position and seek alignment between national policy and the realities faced by the Cotswold district,” Cllr Evemy concluded. The council’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to balancing national housing demands with local development needs and environmental concerns.