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78 more houses north of Dukes Meadow Drive agreed
07/04/2022
Councillors have accepted the proposal as Cherwell does not have a 5-year housing land supply
Plans to build up to 78 houses on land which is currently classed as open countryside to the north of Banbury have been approved by Councillors.
An outline planning application by Mr P Donger, Mrs S Donger and Manor Oak Homes was discussed at Cherwell District Council’s planning committee meeting. Officers recommended that Councillors give permission for the development, even though it is not part of the local plan.
The land is currently unused farmland, to the north of Dukes Meadow Drive and west of the existing playing field. Access would be from the spare spur off the Lapsley Drive roundabout.
The applicant’s letter said their proposal “sets out a comprehensive and compelling case” for the proposed development. It highlights that the council needs to find additional homes in the district to achieve the government’s set housing targets. Cherwell has previously had its rejection of applications overturned by the planning inspector because it has been unable to demonstrate its ability to achieve its 5-year house building targets.
It is suggested the 78 homes would be at a density of 25-30 dwellings per hectare, which is similar to the existing Hanwell Fields estate. 24 of the new builds would be affordable housing.
The applicant suggested that building work could start within 18 months, with all the houses finished within three years.
In their report Cherwell’s officers note they can only currently demonstrate a 4.7 year housing land supply figure – less than the 5 years required by government. In their letter the applicant states they believe the figure is even lower.
36 letters of objection were submitted, with comments highlighting the site is not allocated in the Cherwell Local Plan, the development would encroach on Hanwell and Banbury not having suitable infrastructure to accommodate further development.
Banbury Town Council objected to the application saying that whilst Cherwell cannot demonstrate a 5 year housing land supply, that should not outweigh the scale of this proposal and the fact that it sits beyond the built up limits of Banbury, within the countryside. They added that this is a greenfield site that contributes to the rural character of the approach into Banbury, with Dukes Meadow Drive providing a firm urban fence to the town.
Hanwell Parish Council also raised objections noting the development would set a precedent for further development north of Dukes Meadow Drive, resulting in the gradual loss of the strategic gap between Banbury and Hanwell.
Officers recommended Councillors approve the application. In their report they said: “The proposed application site is located close to local amenities including shops, school and community facilities and is easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The proposal would have some limited impact on wider landscape views, but this harm would not outweigh the benefits of the proposal, especially when considered within the context of the Council being unable to demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Stephen Rainsbury On 07/04/2022 at 11:56 pm
There is already too much pressure on doctors, dentists and schools. This will only make things worse.
Emma Carvalho-Smith On 08/04/2022 at 11:20 pm
Oh well I guess the wildlife in the green spaces will have to suffer then, wouldn’t want the council to miss their targets. Stop building houses ruining Banbury