COTSWOLD District Council has reacted after residents expressed fears over Moreton "doubling" in size in the next 17 years.

It comes after Cotswold District Council revealed its Local Plan for the town, which earmarked 1,500 homes for Moreton by 2041.

The council still needs to submit a planning application on its plans as it aims to work with residents to refine its proposal before submitting it.

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However, residents claim the council's plans for a 'garden village' could see more than 10,000 homes built in Moreton instead, which raises infrastructure concerns.

Last week we reported residents had set up a petition against the proposals.

Darren Curry, a Moreton resident who set up the petition, said: "I think every aspect of residents' quality of life in Moreton will be affected from congestion to sewage. "

Councillor Juliet Layton, cabinet member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said Moreton is one of eight locations being consulted for potential growth.

This includes other options, such as creating a new settlement somewhere in the Cotswold district, growing another existing settlement, or scattering development around the district.

She added: "Listening to residents' views and properly consulting with communities on the Local Plan is very important to us.

"Our evidence so far points towards around 1,500 additional homes, accompanied by employment, infrastructure and other supporting developments, being located at Moreton-in-Marsh.

"However, we need to consider the feedback from the ongoing Local Plan consultation before making any decisions. 

"Growing Moreton-in-Marsh by around 1,500 homes in a 'garden village style' approach is just one of a number of proposals being considered.

"We are in the very early stages of developing the Local Plan and nothing has been decided yet.

"Creating a new Local Plan is an iterative process.

"It involves various stages of public consultation, during which people can get involved and help shape developments in their area.

"People can also get involved in the detailed design of developments at the planning application stage.

"We want to hear peoples' views on the Local Plan consultation proposals. Please let us know your thoughts by responding to our survey at your.cotswold.gov.uk before April 7."

The government has earmarked around 3,300 additional homes for the Cotswold District by 2041, which the council will need to meet.

Cllr Layton said the need for other development and infrastructure will have to be planned.

One of the proposals for Moreton is a Garden Village, which they fear could see up to 10,000 homes built. 

Garden villages are purpose-built with a clear identity and attractive environment.

Cotswold District Council said the Local Plan Update will also be supported by an Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which will set out what infrastructure is required and how this will be delivered.