THE Cotswolds countryside must be protected from too much development or risk losing its unique character, according to a new member of the body responsible for its conservation.

Charles Mathew said the board would “cut its own throat” if it allowed too many developments in the name of improving the economy.

He has been nominated by Oxfordshire County Council as its representative on the Cotswolds Conservation Board, which looks after the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mr Mathew, who is the county councillor for Eynsham and chairman of Stanton Harcourt Parish Council, said: “There’s a great danger that by enhancing development of the area, you are in fact detracting from why it’s an area of outstanding natural beauty.

“If you go all out for economic progress, you could be cutting your own throat by affecting the effectiveness of being in an AONB.

“The role of the board is very much to enhance the communities and their lives, but we must also protect the area from over-development.”

Cllr Mathew is also a governor of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For information visit cotswoldsaonb.org.uk