PLANS to protect areas of Lechlade from housing development have been submitted to Cotswold District Council.

Lechlade-on-Thames Town Council has submitted a Neighbourhood Development Plan to CDC after work with residents.

The plan sets out which areas of the town can be developed up to 2031, and is now available to be viewed and commented on until January 11 next year, before an independent examination to check it meets government conditions.

Steve Trotter, mayor of Lechlade-on-Thames, who has been a driving force behind the plan, said: “This is the first Neighbourhood Plan to be submitted in the Cotswolds and we are very pleased to be front-runners. We would encourage other towns to follow our example.

“It covers the period up to 2031 and proposes a vision for the future of the town, setting out clear planning policies and projects to realise it.”

Cllr Nick Parsons, CDC cabinet member for forward planning, said: “If it satisfies the examiner, he will recommend that it should proceed to a public referendum. Provided over 50 per cent of the votes cast support the plan, it will be adopted as part of the local development framework, the body of rules against which planning applications are assessed.”

See the plan at cotswold.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning/consultations