Outline plans to build up to 120 homes in a north Cotswold village have been submitted.

Brookworth Homes have submitted an application to Cotswold District Council to build the homes on land north east of Mickleton.

A Planning and Affordable Housing Statement prepared by Ridge and Partners LLP says: "The proposal is being formulated in the context of Cotswold District Council's chronic problems with short-term housing land supply. In this statement, it is highlighted that Mickleton is a well-serviced and accessible village that is capable of accommodating further growth."

The site measures 5.09ha and comprises agricultural/arable land. Historically, the southwest corner of the site was occupied by a greenhouse but this has since been returned to arable farmland. The site is bound by agricultural fields and allotments to the north, farm buildings and Gran Brook to the east, and residential land use to the south and west.

Immediately to the southwest of the site, beyond a small pond, lies the recently completed CALA Homes housing development on the former Meon Hill Nursery. To the northwest, beyond the residential properties, runs Stratford Road (B4632) with countryside beyond it.

A pre-application request for residential development of up to 100 dwellings was submitted to CDC in July 2023. A written response was provided on behalf of CDC. With regard to the site's location outside of the development boundary, CDC stated that Mickleton, having experienced 264 dwelling completions during the Local Plan period, had seen significant and proportionate growth. CDC thus concluded that the proposals conflict with Local Plan Policy DS4 and that there would be a "strong policy presumption against the proposed development".

However, Ridge's planning statement said: "It is identified that, given the significant shortfall of housing in Cotswold District, substantial weight must be given to the opportunity to boost the supply of housing. The addition of up to 120 dwellings from the site, including 40% affordable housing, represents a significant contribution that will boost housing supply within a sustainable location. These factors should carry substantial weight in favour of granting planning permission.

"Although the site is located outside of Mickleton's settlement boundary, it is considered that the proposal would still be broadly consistent with the Development Plan. There are no policies which would explicitly preclude the development of this site. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the release of greenfield land is necessary in order to meet the council's housing requirement.

"Notwithstanding this, the most important policies for determining the application are out of date in any event, in view of the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year supply. This position is not expected to change during the foreseeable future, especially as the new local plan is a long way from adoption."

The anticipated 40% provision of affordable housing would be expected to include a recommended mix of 45% social rent, 25% affordable rent, 25% first homes and 5% shared ownership.

The scheme is set to go before Cotswold District Council for consideration.