‘Traffic measures needed if homes go ahead’ (From Herald Series)
When It Happens Panel Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'OXFORD NEWS' to 80360 or email
‘Traffic measures needed if homes go ahead’
12:00pm Wednesday 20th June 2012 in News
Jenny Hannaby
New road safety measures and extra school places for pupils should be demanded if developers are to build 200 new homes in Wantage, according to a leading councillor.
The application for homes at Stockham Farm, off Denchworth Road, has been submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council by developers Dandara Ltd, Johnshaven Developments and Maconie Property.
The application includes public open space and play space and improvements to the access for the site.
But Wantage town, district and county councillor Jenny Hannaby said: “There will be a strain on the amount of traffic on Denchworth Road, so we will need traffic management measures.
“We will also need developers to contribute towards the cost of new primary school places.
“Primary schools in Grove and Wantage are under huge pressure in terms of places and we will be looking for developers to contribute money for the education budget, which could provide money for new classrooms.
And Ms Hannaby warned: “Each application has to be judged on its merits, but if the application is refused and goes to a planning inspector we could lose contributions for infrastructure.”
Developers put forward the plan for Stockham Park after Vale of White Horse District Council’s Interim Housing Supply Policy, a policy that was ditched last month due to legal complications.
Danny Griffiths, a spokesman for the applicants, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to deliver new homes in the immediate future at a sustainable, well-integrated site in Wantage.
“This will be a high-quality scheme that provides low density, mainly family-sized homes with a high proportion of green open space.
“The plans have benefited from the input of local people and key stakeholder groups and we will keep people updated as the planning process progresses.”
Comments(3)
Thinkingoutloud
says...
2:16pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Dr bob is my hero
says...
5:32pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Garage Man says...
1:50pm Wed 20 Jun 12
This plan was originally for 70 houses if my memory serves me correctly and the reason that is being given for allowing this to be 200 is due to the lack of housing permitted by the Vale to date and that they are behind a (Government) target. Surely it should be a case of whether we really need them rather than some political dictat? I rather that the Vale take their time and consider things sensibly than be railroaded in such a manner.
Add this to the 70 additional houses proposed for the Nalder estate and we are looking at a new primary school at least as there is no possibility of expansion at either of the 2 in the catchment area. I agree with Jenny Hannaby (and I'm not a natural supporter of hers) that Denchworth Road will be a nightmare also and this seems to be an opportunistic application at best. Read the documents for yourself on the Vale website and make a comment to them before the application is heard.