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Developer appeals decision to reject housing between Banbury and Hanwell
06/03/2024
Comments to the Planning Inspector need to be submitted within the next two weeks
An appeal has been launched by a developer who’s plan to build 170 houses was rejected by Cherwell District Council.
The Vistry Group wanted to create the new development in the remaining farm fields between Banbury and Hanwell on the Warwick Road.
In August members of the Planning Committee unanimously rejected the application, which had received 489 notes of objection and only a handful of support.
Vistry has now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate claiming Cherwell cannot demonstrate 5-year land supply – a vital figure which if not met reduces how much notice decision makers can take of other factors when approving or rejecting an application.
The developer says they will present evidence to show that “there has been a significant under-delivery to date against the Councils Local Plan requirement” and “there are expected to be significant levels of under-delivery of homes at the end of the plan period.”
Within the original application Vistry said that 51 of the 170 homes would be categorised as affordable – 30%. Within the appeal they have increased the number of affordable homes to 61 – 40%.
In response to the objections submitted before the Planning Committee met, Vistry says it “does not consider that there are any additional matters raised in representations on the application which significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits that will be demonstrated through evidence.”
The Keep Hanwell Village Rural Action Group fought against the original application. Following news of the appeal they are now calling on people to resubmit their objections to the Planning Inspectorate.
Chris Brant, Chair of the Action Group says: “The decision by the Council to refuse planning was very clear. From the threat of coalescence with Hanwell, harm to character and appearance of open countryside and the heritage setting of Hanwell Conservation Area.
“Cherwell District Council has been able to demonstrate the required 5-year housing land supply and these large-scale housing developments being built outside of the town are not meeting the needs of the wider community”.
Councillor Catriona Reid from Hanwell Parish Council said: “We are extremely disappointed and concerned by Vistry’s decision to appeal. There are clearly more appropriate sites, as identified through the Local Plan process, and it is apparent the developer does not care about the strength of local opinion and the potential damage to hundreds of years of heritage that this proposal would cause”.
Cherwell District Council declined commenting on the appeal but highlighted its latest published land supply figure of 5.8 years.
The Inspector has scheduled 6 days for the appeal hearing, which is due to begin on June 4. Comments must be sent in by Thursday March 21. These can be submitted online here. The appeal has been given the reference APP/C3105/W/24/3338211.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam