Down Ampney Action Group - Protect Our Village

Aim

Down Ampney's residents are fundraising to oppose Cotswold District Council's plans to bring over 1,650 new homes to the village.

Down Ampney is a small, diverse Cotswold community of around 280 homes. It was recently revealed that Cotswold District Council has proposed plans to encircle the village with over 1,650 new homes. For those familiar with the area, this is equal to a town the size of Fairford

Village residents are fully understanding of the nationwide need for additional housing. They are keen to be part of the solution, and open to seeing the community evolve and grow. In recent years the village has welcomed new residents through two significant developments, and it is understood that such development must continue.

However the scale, design of nature of the Council's proposed developments reflect a desperate, rushed and poorly considered plan which it is believed will bring significant unintended consequences to the village. From inadequate appraisal of transport and drainage, to an inaccurate assessment of the availability of local employment and noise pollution from RAF Fairford and, these plans are gravely flawed. These issues are not limited to Down Ampney itself, as the vastly increased weight of traffic is expected to also bring unmanageable congestion to neighbouring villages.

A group of volunteers is leading the work to challenge the Council's proposals. These will be presented to the Planning Inspector on October 5th 2026. It may then be necessary for further engagement with the planning process, including legal representations from the village. To ensure that the arguments presented are technically sound, it is necessary to involve Planning and Legal experts to support our work, both before after the submission date. We have estimated the total cost of this work at £35,000. We are asking for support from within, and beyond, the community to meet these costs. We hope to ensure that the measured, ongoing development of the village, for today's residents and those of tomorrow, can continue into the future, rather than smothering it in a reflexive, disproportionate and ill-conceived development.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 3rd December 2026 at 7:03am