A MASTER plan for the development of West Witney has been put forward by developers.
Oxfordshire Land — a consortium of developers — has consulted residents on its plans for 1,000 new homes to the south of Range Road and the east of Downs Road.
The 163-acre site could include neighbourhood shops, a new primary school, and the possibility of a secondary school too.
Oxfordshire Land is made up of developers Persimmon Homes, Bovis Homes and Sovereign Land.
Paul Davis, strategic land director at Persimmon Homes, said: “We are still in discussion with West Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the details of our development proposals.
“We hope to submit a planning application later in the year — once the environmental impact assessment has been completed.”
The plans include ten hectares of employment land and a new junction with the A40 at the bottom of Downs Road. But residents have remained unconvinced over development in this part of Witney.
Euan Shuker, 72, of Pensclose, said: “I don’t think it’s a very good idea for the simple fact that until there is something done to the traffic situation in Witney, they shouldn’t allow any more developments. They have to have more roads and bypasses before they even think of having more people, as there are already too many people here. I don’t object to people. What I object to is that the people who are already here have to suffer the congestion.”
He added: “We need the Cogges Link Road. The Shores Green option will not work, as it will make traffic worse in the West End.”
Developers want to leave 20 per cent of the land as green space, with recreational facilities and allotments.
Jeff Harrison, 64, of Deer Park Road, said: “I think they have got to have more houses because there is a shortage, there is no doubt about it. I am not sure that West Witney is the answer as this will just add to the traffic congestion that is already around.”
Sandra Wright, of Witney, added: “I am concerned about the extra traffic.”
The land has been included in West Oxfordshire District Council’s blueprint, which sets out where 3,200 homes could be built in the district over the next 15 years.
The Government previously told all local authorities how many houses would need to be built.
However the document, called the Core Strategy, has been put under review after a Government shake-up, which means that housing and planning decisions will be handed back to local councils.
A statement on the district council’s website said: “In light of this, West Oxfordshire District Council is reviewing its position in relation to the core strategy.”
A meeting will be held later this week about how this could alter its blueprint, which it finished consulting residents on in March.
A total of 4,100 homes have already been built or are in the planning stage, as part of the Government guidelines, which say that a total of 7,300 homes must be built in West Oxfordshire between 2006 and 2026.
New sites being considered for development are to the west of Witney town centre, to the east or west of Carterton, and in Chipping Norton.
Carys Davies, district council spokesman, said that the West Witney site earmarked for development was already in the local plan.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel