MP for the Cotswolds Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has said that Cirencester’s “limited” infrastructure must be improved before the controversial Chesterton housing development is built.

Responding to the Standard’s question on whether he believes the 2,350 homes planned for Chesterton will be too many for the area, Mr Clifton-Brown said: “It is essential that all of the infrastructure including roads, water, sewerage, flooding and cycle routes are carefully planned and implemented before this number of houses are built in Chesterton.

“Cirencester's infrastructure is currently limited, particularly in sewerage and flooding, and as the local Member of Parliament I will continue my campaign over many years to ensure that the infrastructure in the Cotswolds is improved.”

Earlier this month, Cotswold District Council approved the Local Plan, a housing blueprint which sets out where 7,500 homes will be built up to 2031, including the Chesterton site.

Mr Clifton-Borwn said: “The number of houses in Chesterton is a matter for the people of Cirencester and the surrounding area to make their views known during the Local Plan consultation which will take place this year and next.

“Most people accept that Cirencester will have significant development over the next plan period of 20 years, but it needs to be sensibly controlled.”

He added: “Many people would like to see fewer houses allocated in the Cotswold Local Plan.

“However, the Cotswolds has the highest affordability ratio in the whole South West which means the area is the least affordable for young people compared to their salaries, to be able to buy a house.

“Our surrounding authorities have allocations significantly higher than ours.

“I will continue to campaign to promote the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to ensure that it is protected from excessive development.”