Approval recommended for Hooky houses as local quotas still not being achieved
03/06/2025
The scheme has 36 objections and no comments in support from the public
by Esme Kenney, Local Democracy Reporter
Unpopular plans to build up to 55 homes in a rural Oxfordshire village are set to be approved by the district council.
Gladman Developments Ltd submitted the plans for the land northwest of Railway Farm on Station Road on the outskirts of Hook Norton to Cherwell District Council last December.
The abutment wall of the former railway station would also be demolished.
The development will also include a children’s play area, a central green space in the middle, and a green stretch on the eastern side of the development to separate homes from the woodland next to it.
If approved, it would lie directly next to another development for 42 homes, which is currently under construction.
The scheme currently has 36 objections and no supporting comments from members of the public.
Jenny Bruton of Rectory Road said: “Hook Norton is a rural village with poor accessibility and only very limited shops and services available locally.
“Walking and cycling maybe appropriate for trips within the village but are highly unlikely for non-recreational trips beyond.
“A bus service is available but with a limited number of destinations.”
She added that many of the services “are now at breaking point”.
Eleanor Bailey of Ivydene, East End, said: “Roads are crumbling already, adding a potential 55 extra cars to the road will create a dangerous situation.
“The nature of the village is already under threat this will push it even further in the wrong direction.”
She went on to add: “There is unequal distribution of new houses being built and this village has been hit the hardest, one with the least capacity to cope with it.”
Hook Norton Parish Council objected to the plans, arguing that it ignores the Hook Norton neighbourhood plan which states a maximum of 20 houses per development, that the doctors and dentists in the village are already at capacity, and that it would worsen congestion.
The lead local flood authority (Oxfordshire County Council) are objecting subject to further information about the scheme being submitted, while Naturespace are objecting over the impact on Great Crested Newts.
However, planning officers have recommended the plans for approval due to the council’s inability to deliver a five-year land supply, as long as the lead local flood authority and Naturespace remove their objections.
The officers’ report on the application also noted that the 42-home development next to this one was allowed at appeal in context of a 3.5-year housing land supply.
The district council’s planning committee will make a decision on the plans on Thursday, June 5.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
