Purpose

To update Cabinet on the progress of the Local Plan

Decision

The purpose of this item was to consider a series of recommendations relating principally to the Publication of the new Cotswold Local Plan for 2026-2043 (Regulation 19) for a six-week consultation from 24 August to 5 October 2026 and its subsequent submission to the Secretary of State in December 2026 for independent examination.

Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, introduced the report and highlighted that the Local Plan represented a major milestone and would provide the planning framework for the district for the years ahead. It was noted that the Regulation 19 consultation was the final stage before independent examination and that timely submission was important to avoid the plan having to restart under the new planning system.  It was also noted that the examination was anticipated in 2027, with adoption of the Plan expected in March 2028.

Members noted that the plan had been informed by extensive consultation and engagement and sought to provide a framework for housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental improvements. The importance of ensuring that development was supported by appropriate infrastructure was emphasised, alongside the need to provide affordable and appropriate housing and to protect the character and environment of the district.

Cabinet also considered the comments and recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee following its consideration of the Local Plan at the meeting on 3 August 2026. These included matters relating to infrastructure provision at strategic sites, transport infrastructure, accessibility of consultation information, communication with the public about the need for the plan, water and sewage infrastructure, and the impact of tourism on infrastructure. Recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

It was noted that work on transport infrastructure could continue alongside the Regulation 19 consultation and that arrangements would be made to ensure the consultation was accessible, including public exhibitions and meetings, the availability of hard copies of documents and communications to households across the district.

Members also considered a number of proposed material changes to the draft Local Plan, including amendments to housing site allocations, changes relating to Cirencester town centre, the inclusion of a potential very light rail corridor between Kemble and Cirencester, and amendments relating to habitat sites.

Cabinet recognised the significant concerns expressed regarding the scale of housing growth required by national targets, but noted the importance of having an up-to-date Local Plan in place to provide greater control over development, infrastructure and design standards and to reduce the risk of speculative development. Members also thanked the Planning Policy team for the significant work undertaken in preparing the plan and its supporting documents.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and seconded by Councillor Paul Evans, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities.

Cabinet RESOLVED to recommend to Council to:

1. Agree that the Cotswold Local Plan 2026 – 2043 (Regulation 19) document, including the material changes agreed by Cabinet (supplement E), be published for six weeks consultation from 24 August 2026 to 5 October 2026.
2. Agree that thereafter, the Cotswold Local Plan 2026 – 2043 (Regulation 19) document be submitted to government for independent examination.
3. Provide delegated authority for the Director of Communities and Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, to make any minor corrections prior to consultation, including for typographical and formatting purposes AND following the Regulation 19 consultation to prepare an ‘Additional Modifications’ Schedule for submission if required.
4. Note the technical supporting evidence in preparation for publication alongside the Cotswold Local Plan 2026 – 2043 for consultation.

Voting record:

8 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.