Cotswold District Council has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion of Moreton-in-Marsh, indicating the potential for the town to almost double in size with the addition of over 1,500 homes. The proposal targets the development of land at the Fire Service College for an initial 310 new homes, setting the stage for broader growth that could significantly transform the town’s landscape.

This expansive vision for Moreton-in-Marsh is grounded in the town’s strategic position as a transport hub, boasting a railway station and a wealth of services, facilities, and employment opportunities. With its location outside the Cotswold National Landscape, Moreton is identified as a prime candidate for strategic-scale growth, accommodating an influx of new dwellings to meet rising housing demands.

Currently home to approximately 2,500 houses and around 4,500 residents, the planned developments could dramatically increase Moreton’s population and housing stock, necessitating enhanced infrastructure, including the potential need for a new secondary school to complement the existing educational facilities.

The district council is in the preparatory stages of this transformative project, engaging with the community through public consultations to refine the proposals. A recent consultation event at Redesdale Hall on March 6 presented the council’s forward-looking plans, sparking lively discussion among town residents.

In addition to housing, the council’s blueprint for the Fire Service College site includes the construction of a new primary school, a neighbourhood centre, and an employment development, alongside a new road designed to future-proof Moreton’s transport strategy.

With a public meeting scheduled for March 25 to further engage with the community, Cotswold District Council is committed to incorporating feedback and conducting further studies to ascertain the necessary infrastructure enhancements accompanying this large-scale development.

Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, emphasized the council’s obligation to balance housing development with appropriate infrastructure planning. “The proposal for Moreton-in-Marsh is a significant undertaking that must be supported by a comprehensive plan for infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth,” Layton stated, underscoring the early-stage nature of the planning process and the council’s adherence to government housing targets.