Councillor’s serious concerns over Manor Oak Homes latest application
20/06/2025
Andrew Crichton has urged people to have their say
A local councillor has questioned proposals to build another 150 houses on the northern side of Banbury, without the infrastructure to accompany them.
Andrew Crichton says the application from Manor Oak Homes for the third phase of their development on the northern side of Dukes Meadow Drive lacks both local services and public transport infrastructure.
He said: “This proposal, like the two next to it, does not include any shops or community buildings like a community centre. It looks like the plan is for people to use the Hanwell Fields shops, but those are already very busy. People living here will need more local shops and services.
“There is no public transport in this area at all. This means even more people will have to rely on cars. Many people living nearby on Lapsley Drive already have problems because there are no buses. What is the plan to fix this?”
In their application, submitted to Cherwell District Council on June 11, Manor Oak Homes said: “The site is approximately a 450m walk from the nearest bus stop which offers regular services to the town centre…
“The proposed development would help support the local economy…. there will be a longer-term economic benefit from the future occupants of the proposed dwellings through a combination of spend in the local economy and support for the ongoing viability of local businesses and employers more generally …
“The highways impact of the proposed development will be adequately accommodated by the existing road network. Otherwise, the sustainable location of the site will ensure that the use of sustainable forms of transport is maximised.”
Members of the Planning Committee at Cherwell District Council have voiced their frustrations recently when having to pass planning applications because Oxfordshire County Council hasn’t raised any concerns for the areas in which they have responsibility, such as highways.
Speaking in relation to the two specific issues he had raised Councillor Crichton said: “I have serious concerns about the proposal. I think it needs changes, and residents need answers about future bus services in the area.
“I have shared my views with Oxfordshire County Council as part of the consultation, and I urge local residents to do the same at Cherwell.”
The public have until July 17 to make their opinions known.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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