1 week Ago
Land promoters Hallam Land Management is seeking outline planning permission for up to 370 houses on land at Peashell Farm, Downs Road, in Curbridge near Witney. The plans for the 58-acre site include a local retail store and "extensive new parkland" including a youth play area and allotments. This will provide "robust and enduring landscape separation between the development and the village of Minster Lovell", say planning documents.
However, the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board says there is not sufficient capacity to accommodate the extra people. It said: “The proposed development of 370 dwellings will increase the population by an estimated 888. “This will impact on primary health care infrastructure as there is insufficient capacity to accommodate the additional patients.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the impact of this development cannot be absorbed by the nearby GP Practices.” A total of 18 members of the public have sent objections to . Objector Paul Eaglestone, who lives in Burford Road, Minster Lovell, said: “Minster Lovell is under siege from developers and planning officers and it has become noticeable that elected councillors seems useless in stopping any further destruction of West Oxfordshire's villages and their communities.
“This proposal virtually connects Minster Lovell to Witney and places a huge strain on infrastructure that is already crumbling with sewage and clean water supply issues, regular power outages, and a significant increase in flow. “This development will also continue the ever increasing destruction of the unique history of Minster Lovell, a history that deserves significantly more protection than listing a few buildings. The countryside will be further eroded effecting wildlife.
” Villager Amber Hughes, who lives in O'Connors Road, added: “Minster Lovell already struggles with infrastructure for water. I have never lived in a place that has so many issues with water going off completely or low pressure. “Building this estate would not only be an ugly site on the countryside but further put the village under continual strain for infrastructure.
” The site is agricultural land and existing farm buildings and structures would be demolished. The applicant has proposed access via the existing roundabout junction off Downs Road with the road wide enough to accommodate buses plus new pedestrian and cycle connections and bridleways. A mobility hub within the internal road network could also include features such as e-scooter and e-bike docks and hire, car club and delivery lockers.
Witney has already had expansion at Windrush Place, Colwell Green, west of Minster Lovell and along Downs Road "where investment in infrastructure, highways, education and community uses has already been implemented", says the application..
