Thames Water has statutory duty to provide services to approved new houses in Bloxham
05/06/2026
Councillors’ concerns were outweighed by Cherwell not building enough new housing
Thames Water has a statutory duty to provide services to new housing developments. That was the advice from a Planning Officer at a Cherwell Planning Committee meeting last night when the company’s concerns at its ability to supply services to a new housing development were raised.
The application for 100 homes in Bloxham, south of Bloxham Mill on the Barford Road, was subsequently approved.
Cherwell District Council’s lack of ability to demonstrate it has the required amount of new housing being built in the area – known as the 5-year housing land supply – was the key driver for the decision, outweighing other issues.
Concerns were also raised after the County Council said the primary school was full, but the officer said the developer would have to make a financial contribution towards the school’s expansion.
Other councillors expressed their frustration that Bloxham’s own neighbourhood plan appeared to count for very little in the decision making process.
The issue over Thames Water’s response was raised by Councillor Fiona Mawson. She said: “What will happen with this development? Thames Water is saying they can’t provide the infrastructure.”
Planning Officer Nick Wyke responded: “Thames Water have a statutory duty to provide the infrastructure, including water and foul sewage. They have requested a condition which can be attached so that any upgrades required to be done prior to the development taking place.”
A restriction prohibiting the use of solar panels will be placed on some of the properties due to their close proximity to the near RAF site, but Mr Wyke told councillors the properties will still be sustainable as they could have heat pumps.
Councillors voted 7 in favour or granting planning permission, with 1 against and 2 abstaining.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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