CDC sets higher standards for future developments in our area

Cotswold District Council has updated its Green Infrastructure Strategy which sets higher expectations for proposed housing developments.

In particular, the council wants to create more green spaces across the district.

CDC has said that this is part of wider plans to make the Cotswolds a better place for people to live in, work in and visit.

New requirements include:

•  Providing a more attractive place for people to live, work and visit 
• Improve health and wellbeing through access to walking, cycling and other outdoor activities 
• Helping mitigate and adapt to climate change by creating environmentally friendly spaces that help nature thrive  
•  Providing sustainable and active travel routes through cycle and walking paths 
• Enabling local food production by providing food growing areas 
• Promoting wildlife corridors to connect areas of habitat 

The strategy is trying to address some of the concerns raised by residents in a recent consultation.

Many residents said that they felt that their access to green open spaces in the district was limited.

Cllr Juliet Layton, CDC cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said: “As a council we are committed to tackling the climate emergency and planning for a better future for the Cotswolds.  

“Through this document we are setting high expectations for developers which we believe will have a real positive impact on existing communities and new developments in the future. 

“Many studies have shown the positive impact getting out into nature can have for our health and wellbeing and our residents have told us they don't have enough access currently. 

"We have listened to that feedback and this plan will create more opportunities to get out into our countryside and create homes and communities fit for the future.”