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Plan to build 170 homes in gap between Banbury and Hanwell
06/04/2023
Vistry Group has submitted an outline application for the scheme, which includes 51 affordable homes
The gap between Hanwell and Banbury could disappear if an application for 170 new homes on fields between the village and the Hanwell Fields estate are approved. Vistry Group has submitted an outline planning application to Cherwell District Council to build on the farm land that exists as a buffer separating the village from the town, on the eastern side of the Warwick Road.
Of the 170 new homes 51 would be designated as mixed-tenure affordable housing.
The move had been anticipated by the Keep Hanwell Village Rural campaign group, who are fighting for the green space to be retained.
Vistry say their plans include significant areas of new landscaped public open spaces and wildlife habitats to deliver a biodiversity net gain for the site. Their application follows detailed pre-application discussions with Cherwell District Council and key stakeholders, as well as consultation with the local community.
In a statement Vistry said that the scheme has been sensitively designed, extending the settlement edge of Banbury to meet local housing needs. They added that the development would provide a significant boost to the local economy, as well as delivering additional homes on a sustainable, well-located site with Banbury Railway Station just a short distance away.
The proposals incorporate areas of public space, including a neighbourhood green and children’s play area which would be supported by new footpaths to connect to the wider pedestrian network.
The existing mature hedgerows and established woodlands would be retained and enhanced through new planting.
A spokesperson from Vistry Group said: “There is a growing need for high-quality homes all over the country, with the wider Cherwell district seeing a particular demand. This includes a significant need for affordable housing for local families and individuals.
“To support this, it is important that plans for new homes are brought forward in sustainable locations with a mix of tenures, to offer exciting opportunities for everyone.
“We have continued to evolve our plans over a number of months following technical assessments, as well as stakeholder and community engagement. We feel our final proposals, if approved, will make a valuable contribution to local housing need.”
A target date for a decision on the application has been set as June 28.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
James On 10/04/2023 at 10:16 am
This really angers me. If this goes ahead another prime plot of Grade 2 agricultural land will be lost and replaced with another lego monstrocity. Right now we need prime farmland more than ever. This plot would grow acres of wheat, rape and other valuable crops so we don’t have to rely on countries that suddenly go t•ts up. As for the housing crisis argument – there are over 300 houses on Rightmove from £65K. It’s all a financial scam to falsely boost the construction industry. Yes, there’s a shortage of ‘affordable housing’ but blame Maggie who sold off all the council houses. They need to redevelop the centre of Banbury not displace wildlife, erode village identities and destroy prime Grade 2 farmland. I for one am not going to put up with another [….] eyesore in the countryside.