A DEVELOPER is preparing to submit plans to build 400 homes between Cirencester and Preston.

Robert Hitchins Limited has filed a scoping report to find what impact developing the 34.5 acre site west of Kinghill Lane and south of Cirencester Arena could have on the surrounding area.

The scoping report will look at everything from the proposal’s potential effect on the landscape and ecology of the area, to how it will affect air quality, transport and nearby roads.

In a letter to Cotswold District Council, the authority that decides planning matters, Pegasus Planning director Simon Chamberlayne said their client “intends to submit an application for planning permission for development”, but gave no timescale.

The scoping report was filed at the end of June.

At a Cirencester Town Council planning meeting this morning, members expressed concern over the development.

Planning committee chief Stuart Tarr said: “If this goes through it will remove the buffer between Cirencester and Preston which Preston Parish Council wanted to keep.

“My understanding is that they’re trying to hold on to this space to protect the integrity of the village.”

The site currently acts as a small green belt between the two communities.

Mayor Mark Harris added that Cirencester’s five year housing supply had already been met.

“There’s not a need for 400 additional houses, it may come forward in 15 years or so because our needs will grow, but at this stage I can’t think of a convincing reason why we’d need this," he said.

“Cirencester is catered for amply.”

The committee voted to oppose the application.

Once officially submitted, the final decision will be made by Cotswold District Council.

Pegasus Planning have been approached for comment.