PLANS have revealed Moreton could gain more than 1,500 homes over the next 17 years. 

Cotswold District Council's local plan for the town has earmarked the land at the Fire Service College for 310 new homes.

But within these plans, the council revealed its long-term vision for the town which would see over 1,500 additional homes by 2041. 

The district council said that more infrastructure, like a secondary school, may be required to align with its longer-term plans.

The Executive Summary and Consultation Instructions document reads: "Given that Moreton-in-Marsh is a transport hub, which has a railway station, good provision of services, facilities and employment, and various sites outside the Cotswold National Landscape, the town would become a focus for strategic-scale growth of over 1,500 additional dwellings up to 2041."

According to the Moreton in Marsh Town Council website, the town currently has 2,500 houses and about 4,500 residents.

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

It has so far hosted one public consultation at Redesdale Hall where it showcased its plans for the future on March 6.

The current plan to build the 310 homes also include a new primary school to go alongside St David’s Primary School, a neighbourhood centre, and an employment development on the Fire Service College grounds. 

A new road is also proposed which the council said would futureproof the transport strategy for Moreton.

Malcolm Berry, chairman of Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council, said: "The council is currently considering its response to the plans, but members did feel that due to the response at the consultation on March 6, the council will be hosting a public meeting later this month."

The date of the meeting will be March 25. 

Councillor Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: "The Council will need to consider the consultation feedback and will also need to commission further evidence studies to confirm what infrastructure is required and how this will be provided. 

"The proposal being considered for Moreton-in-Marsh is for around 1,500 additional dwellings up to 2041.

"Any development of this scale must be complemented with a suitable plan for infrastructure. As the planning authority, we are legally bound to plan development and the infrastructure to support it."

She added that all Local Planning Authorities have to plan for housing targets, which are provided by central government and the district council is still in the early stages of this.