This week in Cotswold:

Planning Power Shift: Local Voices Diminished as National Rules Take Hold

Cotswold residents will have less say in local planning decisions following the Council's adoption of a new national scheme of delegation. The Council meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, saw councillors reluctantly agree to implement government legislation that significantly reduces the role of elected members in approving planning applications.

Under the new rules, most applications, including extensions and developments of up to nine homes, will be automatically decided by council officers. More complex or sensitive developments will only reach the Planning and Licensing Committee if a nominated councillor and officer agree they raise a major planning issue.

This shift has sparked concern among councillors, who feel it undermines local democracy and removes a vital channel for residents' input. Councillor Dilys Neill, Chair of the Planning and Licensing Committee, stated that while the council had no choice but to comply with the law, the changes failed to recognise the important role local councillors play in providing local insight and democratic legitimacy.

The decision was approved by 29 votes to 19, with 4 abstentions. Critics, including Councillor Tom Stowe and Councillor David Fowles, expressed their disappointment, with Councillor Fowles calling the changes an intrusion and urging for a change in government.

This change could mean that residents' concerns about local developments, such as the impact on neighbourhood character or infrastructure, may be less likely to be heard by their elected representatives.

• What this means for you: Your ability to influence planning decisions directly through your local councillor is reduced. For major developments, the decision-making process will be more heavily reliant on council officers.
• Learn more: Read the full summary of the Council meeting here: Council Meeting Summary

Polling Station Review Sparks Fears for Democratic Access

Plans to review polling stations with fewer than 150 electors have been approved for public consultation, raising concerns about accessibility for voters, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues. The Council meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, agreed to consult on proposals to consolidate polling stations to reduce rising election costs, which currently stand at approximately £880 per station per day.

The Electoral Matters Working Group identified 14 polling stations for review, with proposed alternative locations for 13. While the aim is to save money, councillors voiced worries about the impact on voters. Councillor David Cunningham highlighted that three polling stations in his ward are affected and stressed the importance of promoting postal voting.

Councillor Julia Judd strongly opposed the proposals, calling them another nail in the coffin for democracy. She expressed concern that voters might miss out if they misunderstand postal voting rules. Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Evemy, acknowledged the need for responsible spending but emphasised that the consultation was a crucial step to gather feedback before any final decisions are made.

• What this means for you: If your local polling station is one of those reviewed, you may need to travel further to vote in future elections. The council will be seeking your views on these proposals.
• Learn more: Read the full summary of the Council meeting here: Council Meeting Summary

Chipping Campden Neighbourhood Plan Officially Adopted

Residents of Chipping Campden can celebrate the formal adoption of their Neighbourhood Plan, following a successful referendum. At a Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning Decision Meeting on Friday, 25 September 2026, Councillor Juliet Layton officially adopted the plan, which saw 95% of voters in favour.

This plan will now be used alongside the existing and emerging Local Plans to guide planning decisions in the area. Unlike the Local Plan, neighbourhood plans often focus on specific local issues such as heritage and green spaces. Councillor Layton commended the community's efforts in bringing the plan to fruition.

• What this means for you: The Chipping Campden Neighbourhood Plan provides a locally-driven framework for development in the town, ensuring that community priorities are considered in planning applications.
• Learn more: Read the full summary of the decision meeting here: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning Decision Meeting Summary

Other Matters

• Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Pause: The planned establishment of a Joint Voluntary Committee for LGR was withdrawn due to the government's announcement pausing the process in Gloucestershire. This pause creates uncertainty for staff and means current council elections will proceed as scheduled in May.
• Member Questions: Councillors raised concerns about increased fly-tipping due to new charges for DIY waste, the financial implications of the paused LGR, the 'Cotswold Together' magazine, and the allocation of employment land. Issues regarding asylum accommodation and the condition of road signs were also discussed.
• Announcements: Upcoming consultations on the County Council's local transport plan and Cirencester Hospital were announced. Congratulations were extended to Councillor Paul Evans on his appointment to the Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Board. The public consultation period for the Local Plan Regulation 19 was extended to 3 November 2026.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 22 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

• Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis, Private Hire, and Street Trading Consent Matters) on Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis, Private Hire, and Street Trading Consent Matters)

The Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, made a significant decision to grant a one-year Street Trading Consent to Frederick Drakobs for the sale of beverages and snacks from a mobile catering unit at the Old Mill, Lower Slaughter.

The Application

Frederick Drakobs applied to operate the mobile unit from Wednesday to Friday (10am to 5pm), and from Saturday to Sunday (9am to 5pm). For July, August, and September, he sought consent to trade every day from 9am to 5pm. The application did not receive any objections from statutory consultees like the police or Highways Authority, but 18 objections were received from local residents.

Objections from Residents

Residents Andrew Bowler and Stuart Thomas voiced concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support the business, potential litter, congestion, and the impact of ongoing construction at the Old Mill. Mr Bowler highlighted the absence of public toilets and the potential for congestion:

The other thing that's slightly unusual is there's no WC facility associated with the mill being operational or open. I think one of the comments was that they will use the local hotel. But it's just a case of will that happen? It's always hard to try and get people to queue it in the right place. — Andrew Bowler

Mr Thomas, who lives on Mill Lane, was worried about litter along footpaths and the challenges posed by construction traffic:

I spent all my life in building engineering design on major projects, and if you just think about taking tiles off roofs, the scaffolding, the construction traffic that's going to come down to what is a very poor highway in respect to circulation and turning, there are going to be some significant issues bringing in piling rigs, whatever it might be, to this small area over a period of 18 months to two years. — Stuart Thomas

Applicant's Statement

Frederick Drakobs explained his investment of £4 million in renovating the Grade 2 listed Old Mill, emphasizing its heritage preservation. He assured that the mobile unit was a temporary measure to provide amenities until the renovation is complete:

Absolutely, yes. There's no question that this is going to be any sort of permanent arrangement. It's, effectively, it's a publicity vehicle for Mr Jacobs to, so the people are aware of what's coming, effectively, but it's not an intention to keep it there for the next ten years. We revert back to the caffeine side. — Frederick Drakobs

Mr Drakobs proposed several measures to address residents' concerns, including employing staff to manage queues, ensuring litter collection, using compostable cups, and providing public access to a toilet once feasible.

The Committee's Decision

The committee considered the council’s own Street Trading Policy and representations from both the applicant and objectors. They decided to grant a one-year Street Trading Consent with the following conditions:

1. Daily litter pick.
2. Attendance at an upcoming parish council meeting.

Councillor Judd, chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of community feedback:

And objectors, if you would pass, you know, I would also say that is the way forward. So if you see problems, you can do it through the parish council and the parish council know then how to report back to the council, this council, if there are any issues. — Councillor Judd

Summary

This week's Licensing Sub-Committee meeting focused on balancing the introduction of a new business in Lower Slaughter with the community's infrastructure and environmental concerns. The decision to grant the Street Trading Consent, with specific conditions, reflects the council's ongoing efforts to support local businesses while addressing residents' concerns.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

• Planning and Licensing Committee on Wednesday, 12 June 2024
• Licensing Sub-Committee (Licensing Act 2003 Matters) on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 (no video provided)

Planning and Licensing Committee

The Planning and Licensing Committee meeting on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, was the most impactful, with significant discussions on updates to the pavement licensing regime and a planning application for a garage in Longborough.

Update to Pavement Licensing Regime

Kevin, the Licensing Officer for Cotswold District Council, presented the draft policy document for the pavement licensing regime, which has been made permanent following the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. The regime, initially introduced under the Business and Planning Act 2020, allows businesses to apply for licenses to use outdoor spaces for food and drink consumption. Key amendments to the policy include:

• Increasing the minimum consultation period from 14 to 28 days.
• Extending the license validation from 12 to 24 months.
• Raising the capped fees for new licenses from £100 to £500 and introducing a renewal fee capped at £350.
• Enforcement powers to remove and store unlicensed furniture from highways and recover costs from businesses.

Councillor Neill raised concerns about A-boards obstructing pavements, which are covered under advertisement consent regulations¹. The committee approved the draft policy and new fees, with the recommendation that full council also approve them.

Planning Application for Garage in Longborough

The committee discussed the planning application for the erection of a single-detached garage and the addition of two gable windows at Milverton, Old Rectory Gardens, Longborough. The application, submitted by Mr. Sagar, faced scrutiny over highway safety concerns due to the proposed garage's proximity to a blind bend and the potential for vehicles to obstruct the road while entering or exiting the garage.

Public and Member Comments

• Councillor Timothy House from Longborough Parish Council and Caroline Garnham, a local resident, expressed concerns about highway safety and the impact on the village's conservation area.
• Laura Sagar, the applicant, highlighted their commitment to the community and the use of technology to mitigate safety concerns, such as using Alexa to open the garage doors remotely.
• Councillor David Cunningham, the ward member, emphasized the need for a thorough review of highway safety issues.

Committee Discussion

Members debated the balance between the aesthetic impact on the conservation area and highway safety. The highways officer acknowledged potential safety issues but deemed them not significant enough to warrant refusal. The committee considered the use of technology to open garage doors and the existing access arrangements.

Councillor Mark Harris proposed permitting the application, seconded by Councillor Gary Selwyn. The committee voted to permit the application with 10 votes for and one against.

For more details, you can refer to the Proposed Block Plan, Existing House Elevations, and Proposed Garage Plans Elevations.

Licensing Sub-Committee (Licensing Act 2003 Matters)

The Licensing Sub-Committee (Licensing Act 2003 Matters) meeting on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, was held, but no video was provided for this meeting.

Summary

This week's meetings focused on updates to the pavement licensing regime and a significant planning application in Longborough. The decisions made will influence local business operations and community safety. The ongoing theme of balancing development with maintaining the district's unique character continues to be a significant point of discussion.

This week, the Cotswold Council held two scheduled meetings. The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, was cancelled. The Council meeting on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, was the primary focus, with significant discussions on leadership elections, committee appointments, and strategic announcements.

Leadership Elections

The most notable event was the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council. Councillor Nicky was elected as Chair with 28 votes in favor and 1 against. She was praised for her fairness and ability to maintain order in meetings. Councillor Mark Harris was elected as Vice-Chair with 34 votes in favor, noted for his effective role and distinctive beard.

Announcements from the Chair and Leader

Councillor Nicky expressed gratitude for her re-election and highlighted her participation in local events, such as the gala night at the Barn Theatre and the Forest of Dean Council's charity dinner. She also announced her plan to walk the Cotswold Way over the summer to support three local charities: North Cotswold Friends, the Churn Project, and Tetbury Youth and Community Trust.

Councillor Joe Harris, the Leader, congratulated Chief Executive Rob Weaver on the birth of his daughter and welcomed Alan Hope as the new Strategic Housing Manager. He addressed member safety concerns due to recent vandalism incidents and discussed the economic impact of the Kingshill Meadow Roundabout closure. He criticized the Gloucestershire Growth Strategy for proposing 23,000 new houses in Kemble and 7,000 in Moreton-in-Marsh, arguing it would nearly double the district's housing stock and affect its unique character.

The proposed housing developments would nearly double the district's housing stock and impact its unique character. — Councillor Joe Harris

Committee Appointments

The council discussed the appointment of committees, with Councillor Joe Harris presenting updated cabinet portfolios and thanking various councillors for their contributions. The council resolved to apply political balance provisions to committees, appoint councillors to serve on committees and working groups, and agree on changes to the terms of reference for the Constitution Working Group and the Publica Review Working Group.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The council addressed appointments to outside bodies, with Councillor Joe Harris providing an overview of various roles and nominations. An amendment was proposed by the opposition to appoint Councillor Darryl Corr to the Gloucestershire County Council Economic Growth Scrutiny Committee, but it was ultimately rejected in favor of Councillor Angus Jenkinson.

Summary

This week's meetings focused on leadership transitions, strategic announcements, and committee appointments. The decisions made will influence the council's governance structure and its approach to addressing community concerns, such as housing development and member safety. The ongoing theme of balancing growth with maintaining the district's unique character continues to be a significant point of discussion.