Decision

The Officer introduced the report and stated that the Council had been invited to submit comments on the draft Siddington Neighbourhood Plan 2025–2031 as part of the Regulation 14 consultation undertaken by Siddington Parish Council. A draft response had been prepared and was attached at Annex A for consideration and approval by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.

Siddington Parish Council had undertaken public consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan between 22 March and 10 May 2026, with an extension having been granted to enable Cotswold District Council to provide comments. Officers had previously engaged with the Parish Council during preparation of the Plan, and a number of matters raised at the pre-Regulation 14 stage had already been incorporated within the draft document.

It was noted that comments had been provided on all eleven policies contained within the draft plan. 

The Committee further noted comments received from specialist officers. The Conservation Officer had raised matters relating to undesignated heritage assets; flood risk officers had suggested amendments to improve the wording of the flooding policy; and sustainable transport officers had recommended a number of changes to improve clarity and ensure alignment with national policy. The proposed response from Cotswold District Council had sought to provide supportive comments and observations to assist Siddington Parish Council in preparing a Neighbourhood Plan that would satisfy the basic and legal conditions required for examination, whilst reflecting the aspirations and objectives of the local community.  

Officers noted that, once made, the Neighbourhood Plan would form part of the statutory development plan and would be used alongside the adopted Cotswold District Local Plan in the determination of planning applications within the Siddington neighbourhood area.

Although the Council had not been under any obligation to respond to the Regulation 14 consultation, officers had considered that it was appropriate to submit comments at this stage in order to assist the progression of the Plan and to ensure that any matters of concern were identified prior to its submission under Regulation 15. No direct financial or legal implications had been identified arising from the proposed response.