The Planning and Licensing Committee of Cotswold Council met on Wednesday 08 October 2025, discussing several planning applications and a Tree Preservation Order. The committee refused an outline application for 195 dwellings at Land East of Cotswold Business Village, Moreton-in-Marsh, due to concerns about sustainability, landscape impact, and insufficient information regarding biodiversity. They permitted an application for 98 dwellings at Land West of Hatherop Road, Fairford, subject to a legal agreement, and deferred a decision on a permission in principle application for a self-build dwelling at Land at Ethans Orchard, Chedworth, pending a site inspection. The committee also permitted works to a London Plane tree at Abbey Grounds, Cirencester, and resolved to confirm a Tree Preservation Order on a copper beech and an ash tree at 5 Mill Close, Blockley.

Land East of Cotswold Business Village, Moreton-in-Marsh - Outline Application for 195 Dwellings

The committee refused an outline application for up to 195 dwellings at Land East of Cotswold Business Village, Moreton-in-Marsh. The primary reasons for refusal centred on the development being an ad-hoc, piecemeal, stand-alone enclave that would integrate poorly with the existing settlement and landscape. Officers highlighted that the cumulative impact of development in Moreton-in-Marsh had already led to a disproportionate increase in the town's size without corresponding improvements in services or infrastructure. Concerns were also raised about the site's distance from essential services, leading to a likely reliance on private cars, which would exacerbate congestion and negatively impact air quality. The proposal was deemed not to constitute sustainable development and was considered to have a harmful urbanising impact on the area and the setting of the Moreton-in-Marsh Surrounds Special Landscape Area. Furthermore, insufficient information was provided regarding biodiversity net gain and the impact on Great Crested Newts, and a Section 106 legal agreement was not in place to secure affordable housing, self-build plots, and financial contributions for education, library services, and transport infrastructure.

Land West of Hatherop Road, Fairford - Application for 98 Dwellings

The committee permitted an application for 98 dwellings at Land West of Hatherop Road, Fairford. This decision was subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement covering affordable housing, custom/self-building housing, Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring, financial contributions to the North Meadow and Clattinger Farm Special Area of Conservation, provision of public open space, access connection, and contributions to library services, public transport, and a travel plan. Members welcomed the developer's comments on landscaping and commended the cooperative approach taken by the developer and Fairford Town Council. The scheme was recognised for its provision of smaller units and affordable housing.

Land at Ethans Orchard, Chedworth - Permission in Principle for 1 Self-Build Dwelling

A decision on a permission in principle application for one self-build dwelling at Land at Ethans Orchard, Chedworth, was deferred. The committee requested a site inspection to better assess the setting and surroundings of the proposed development. The application had generated significant local opposition, with concerns raised about harm to the Chedworth Conservation Area, Cotswolds National Landscape, and the settlement character. Objectors also highlighted the lack of facilities in Chedworth and the reliance on private cars, arguing this conflicted with sustainable transport policies. While officers noted the potential for a carefully designed dwelling to enhance the site and preserve the setting of nearby listed buildings, the deferral was sought to allow for a more thorough on-site evaluation.

Abbey Grounds, Cirencester - Works to Tree T32 (London Plane)

The committee permitted proposed works to Tree T32, a London Plane tree located at Abbey Grounds, Cirencester. The works involve reducing the tree back to previous pruning points and crown thinning by 10%, to be repeated every three years. These measures are intended to manage the tree's size, prevent it from posing a risk to the public, and limit potential damage to nearby properties or via subsidence. The Tree Officer confirmed that the proposed works would not significantly reduce the tree's size or cause it harm, thereby conserving its amenity value. The works were deemed to accord with national and local planning policies regarding trees and woodlands.

5 Mill Close, Blockley - Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

The committee resolved to confirm a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on a mature copper beech and a mature ash tree at 5 Mill Close, Blockley. The TPO was initially made in response to a Section 211 notice seeking to fell these trees. An objection was lodged by the site owner, citing early signs of Ash Dieback in the ash tree, interference with neighbouring telephone wires, and general concerns about the size of the trees and the potential for limb loss. The Tree Officer addressed these points, noting that while Ash Dieback is a concern, definitive symptoms were not present at the time of assessment, and remedial works could be applied for if the disease progresses. The issue with telephone wires had already been addressed through a separate granted consent for pruning. Regarding concerns about tree size and limb loss, the officer stated that felling the trees solely on this basis would be disproportionate, given the low overall risk posed by large trees and the significant benefits they provide. The TPO ensures these trees, which are prominent features within the Blockley Conservation Area, are properly considered in any future decisions.

Member Questions

Councillor Andrew Maclean raised a question regarding the decision-making process for application 25/01431/FUL, which was approved by delegated authority rather than being brought before the committee. He expressed concern that this process showed complete contempt for the democratic process. The Chair, Councillor Dilys Neill, was asked to explain the decision-making process.

A member also commented on the Planning and Licensing Committee's operation, suggesting a move towards a less political approach by mixing the seating arrangements of different political groups at future meetings.

Other Matters

The committee noted that the first item on the schedule of applications, relating to land north-east of Mickleton, had been withdrawn. There were no public questions raised during the meeting. A site inspection briefing was scheduled for 01 October 2025, and no licensing sub-committees were planned.