Have your say on the future of the Cotswolds as Local Plan consultation opens
Residents, businesses, community organisations and other stakeholders are being invited to help shape the future of the Cotswold District, as the final consultation on the proposed Local Plan 2026-2043 opens today.
The six-week Regulation 19 consultation runs from 24 August to 5 October 2026 and gives people the opportunity to comment on the Local Plan before it is submitted for independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate.
The easiest way to take part is through the online consultation platform at www.cotswold.gov.uk/localplan, where residents can view the full Local Plan and supporting documents and submit their comments.
The Local Plan sets out a long-term framework for how the district could accommodate future growth between 2026 and 2043, including proposals for housing, employment, infrastructure, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Once adopted, it will replace the current Local Plan and guide planning decisions across the district until 2043. The proposed plan has been developed to help ensure that homes, jobs, transport, community facilities and environmental considerations are planned in a coordinated way across the district and is supported by an extensive evidence base.
This includes studies covering housing need, transport, flood risk, landscape, heritage, ecology and infrastructure. Sustainability and climate change considerations have been embedded throughout the plan-making process.
Unlike earlier consultation stages, representations at Regulation 19 should focus on whether the proposed Local Plan is legally compliant and 'sound'. All representations received will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, alongside the Council's response, as part of the examination process.
The Council will also be holding a series of public exhibitions where residents can meet planning officers and ask questions about the consultation process:
- Tuesday 25 August, 1pm to 7.30pm, Fairford Community Centre, Fairford
- Friday 28 August, 1pm to 7.30pm, Cirencester Baptist Church, Cirencester
- Tuesday 15 September, 1pm to 7.30pm, Redesdale Hall, Moreton-in-Marsh
- Tuesday 22 September, 1pm to 7.30pm, Chipping Campden Town Hall, Chipping Campden
There is no need to book.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on 5 October 2026. Further information, consultation documents and details of how to submit representations are available at www.cotswold.gov.uk/localplan