The Inspector’s Interim Report proposes raising the requirement for additional houses from 31,830 to 35,175 by 2031.   One reason is to meet job creation forecasts.  These were always highly aspirational and look increasingly unlikely to be achieved in the light of national economic growth forecasts.  Additional housing risks further pressure for development on the Green Belt.

However, CPRE welcomes the concerns the Inspector has expressed about traffic impacts which would arise from major housing development at Leckhampton and the need to protect the important and visually sensitive landscape in this area.  This area is highly sensitive to development, due to its proximity to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the stunning views into and out of this protected landscape.