THE announcement that the Secretary of State will be reviewing plans to build 146 homes in Stow has been welcomed by the leader of Cotswold District Council (CDC)

As previously reported, applicant Bovis Homes lodged an appeal last October on the grounds of CDC's non-determination of the outline plans to build on land to the east of Griffin Close, near Oddington Road.

The inspector did not close the the four-day inquiry - which resumed on March 25 after it was adjourned from January - after the council presented new housing figures which showed they had more than a five year supply.

He has now decided that proceedings should resume after receiving the council’s revised land supply figures and the Secretary of State will be responsible for determining the appeal rather than the planning inspector.

Councillor Lynden Stowe, leader of CDC, welcomed the news.

"In making his decision, he has admitted that our May 2014 position document appears to indicate a significant improvement compared with the figures which were set out at the start of the inquiry - to the extent that there is a material difference in this particular case, as the revised figures could add further weight to the Council’s opposition to the proposals," he said.

“This housing development would not be welcome in Stow and we will try our hardest to stop it happening, armed with our latest land supply figures."

There is not yet known when the inquiry will resume and the number of days that will be required to review the new housing figures.