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Planning Committee approves application accepting they had no option
17/01/2025
The site was not part of either the old Local Plan or the emerging new Local Plan
The ramifications of the government’s new housing targets became clear at Cherwell District Council’s Planning Committee meeting last night.
Councillors voted through an application for another 114 new houses on land north of Dukes Meadow Drive in Banbury, accepting that if they rejected it their decision would most likely be overturned by the Planning Inspector.
The site was not included as an area intended for development in the existing Local Plan, or the emerging new Local Plan and an identical application by Manor Oak Homes had been rejected in August. But the government’s new targets left Cherwell not achieving the required minimum levels, thereby bringing in a presumption in favour of sustainable developments.
Paul Seckington, the Senior Manager in Development Management, explained to Committee members that under the old National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Cherwell had to have arrangements in place for the building of 706 homes per year. The council had been achieving this, but the changes to the NPPF meant the figure had increased to 1,118 per annum, which was not being achieved. In addition the council would be required to take some of Oxford city’s unmet housing need.
Mr Seckington warned that the council was “significantly below” the required level.
In facing the position of having no option but to approve the application before them Councillor Phil Chapman warned they would face the same situation with future applications. He said: “I can see this rerunning and rerunning for months and months at every Planning Committee.”
Council Leader David Hingley noted approving the application would take a step closer to Cherwell achieving its required house building targets and would curtail an appeal Manor Oak Homes had lodged for their previous application.
He said: “If we approve this, that will assist us in meeting that supply and if the applicant then withdraws the appeal that will save taxpayers in this district a significant amount of money. I think that’s an important consideration that we have to take into account – we all know the financial situation that we’re in. On that basis, I will reluctantly vote for this.”
Speaking after the meeting Councillor Chris Brant told Banbury FM: “I’m disappointed by tonight’s decision to approve 114 new homes on fields adjacent to Dukes Meadow Drive. While I understand the Council’s housing land supply challenges, this site isn’t suitable – it’s not part of the current or emerging local plan.
“Bypassing the plan undermines sustainable development and risks straining local infrastructure.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam