Plans approved for new housing estate in the Cotswolds despite concerns over sewage capacity

Permission has been granted by Cotswold District Council to build a brand-new housing estate in Fairford this September 2025.

The land found west of Hatherop Road is set to be the base for 98 new homes built by Surrey-based property developer, Cala Homes Ltd – but there are concerns about the capacity of the town's sewage system, according to Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter.

The initial plans were submitted with 87 homes in mind, but that number has been raised, along with the number of three-bed units and 'affordable' dwellings, with a reduction in five-bed properties on the site, to 'represent a more balanced distribution of house types.'

Though Fairford town councillor, Richard Harrison, further raised the sewage concerns, he said: 'The key issue for us is the capacity or otherwise of the Fairford sewage treatment system to accommodate this development without increasing the incidence of pollution of the River Coln and areas downstream and sewage flooding to some residents.

'It's extremely reasonable as well as highly desirable to impose a grampian condition on the additional houses, as recommended in the officer's report, at least as a backup.

'Ideally, we would expect a binding commitment by Thames Water to the upgrade completion.'

And while a further letter of objection was read out during the decision meeting on Wednesday 10 September 2025, an agent for Thames Water spoke in favour of the plans, stating that its 'position is sensitive' and that it is 'happy to accept the proposed conditions.'

The committee voted to grant permission for the build to go ahead, with the condition that no more than 87 homes are occupied until sewage upgrades are completed or a development and infrastructure phasing plan is agreed.