The Planning and Licensing Committee of Cotswold Council met on Wednesday 9 July 2025 to determine several planning applications and discuss proposed reforms to planning committees. The committee granted permission for four development proposals, including the demolition of existing flats and construction of new houses and flats in Cirencester, the removal of stables and erection of a dwelling in Guiting Power, the demolition of an agricultural shed and erection of a replacement calf shed with solar panels in Tetbury, and the demolition of an existing building and erection of a replacement for log storage in Compton Abdale. However, an application for residential development of up to 54 dwellings on land north of The Wern, Lechlade, was refused.

Residential Development Refused at Land North of The Wern, Lechlade

The committee refused planning permission for the proposed residential development of up to 54 dwellings on land north of The Wern, Lechlade. The primary reasons for refusal included the development's encroachment into the open countryside, which would harm the rural character and appearance of the town and undermine its relationship with the adjacent landscape. Significant harm was also identified to the setting of the Grade II listed Butler's Court and Stable, and the Lechlade Conservation Area, due to the urbanising impact of the proposed development. Insufficient information was provided to assess the potential impacts on biodiversity and achieve the required Biodiversity Net Gain¹. Furthermore, a Section 106 legal agreement had not been completed to secure essential provisions such as affordable housing, self-build plots, and financial contributions.

Residential Development Permitted at Land at Nos. 26 To 48 Austin Road, Cirencester

Permission was granted for the demolition of existing flats and the construction of 14 new houses and flats on land at Nos. 26 to 48 Austin Road, Cirencester. The proposal was recommended for permission subject to no objection from Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology, and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement covering Biodiversity Net Gain², financial contributions towards the Cotswold Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation and the North Meadow and Clattinger Farm Special Area of Conservation, and the provision of affordable housing. The committee noted that the development would provide a wider mix of housing types than currently exists on the site and that all proposed accommodation would be for social rent. Concerns regarding the impact on heritage assets were deemed to be minimal due to the intervening woodland and dual carriageway.

Residential Development Permitted at The Saddlery, Kineton, Guiting Power

The committee granted permission for the removal of stables and the erection of a dwelling at The Saddlery, Kineton, Guiting Power. The proposed dwelling, described as being of an agricultural character and echoing a traditional barn conversion, was considered to complement the form and character of the settlement. While concerns were raised by the Ward Member and the Parish Council regarding the building's height, scale, and potential impact on local character and biodiversity, the revised design was deemed acceptable. Conditions were imposed to address external lighting to protect nocturnal wildlife and to ensure the implementation of a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan.

Agricultural Building Replacement Permitted at Duchy Home Farm, Tetbury

Permission was granted for the demolition of an existing agricultural shed and redundant silage pits and the erection of a replacement calf shed with solar panels at Duchy Home Farm, Tetbury. The proposed building, with a functional agricultural appearance, was considered to be in keeping with its farmyard setting and the Cotswolds National Landscape³. The increased height of the new building was deemed necessary for safe forklift operation and was considered acceptable given the context of existing buildings and mature trees. Conditions were imposed to safeguard Great Crested Newts⁴ and to ensure the implementation of a 10-year Landscape and Ecological Management Plan.

Log Storage Building Replacement Permitted at Compton Farm, Compton Abdale

The committee granted permission for the demolition of an existing building and the erection of a replacement building for the storage of logs at Compton Farm, Compton Abdale. The proposed building, with a functional agricultural appearance, was considered to be in keeping with its location within an existing farmyard and the Cotswolds National Landscape. The site is screened by existing vegetation, and the proposed building's scale and design were deemed appropriate. Conditions were imposed to restrict noise levels and operating hours, and to ensure the protection of biodiversity.

Consultation on Reforms to Planning Committees

The committee also discussed the Reform of planning committees: technical consultation published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). The council's proposed responses indicated agreement with the principle of a two-tier structure for the national scheme of delegation, with most applications being delegated to officers unless exceptional circumstances warrant committee consideration. The council supported a maximum of 11 members for planning committees and generally agreed with the principle of mandatory national certification for planning committee members, though with a preference for a hybrid approach that includes localised training. The council also expressed concerns about the proposed lowering of the threshold for quality of decision-making in the performance regime, highlighting potential impacts on resources and the risk of encouraging refusals solely to avoid appeals.