Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP has said it is abundantly clear that there are significant concerns amongst residents and businesses in Cirencester that the future of the town is drifting rather than operating under a strategic plan for the next 30 years.

If the large-scale Chesterton development of 2,350 homes is granted planning permission by Cotswold District Council this will considerably exacerbate existing problems in the town by potentially increasing the population by 7,000 to 8,000 people who between them will require several thousand cars.

Sir Geoffrey responded to these potential changes by designing and sending out a household survey to approximately 12,000 premises across the town and the surrounding area. It is now quite clear from the outstandingly large response that these concerns are widespread.

The local MP has therefore received agreement from council leaders Cllr Mark Hawthorne at the County Council, Cllr Mark Annett at the District Council, Cllr Nigel Robbins at the Town Council and Dr Diane Savory of the GFirst LEP to form a new group to look at how to best strategically plan for the next 30 years or more in Cirencester.

The main purpose of this group will be to ensure that all authorities and utilities who have statutory responsibilities will cooperate in the closest possible way. The steering group will examine housing, local businesses and open spaces and the consequential transport infrastructure, education and health needs necessary to make the town function properly.