Sir, I was concerned to read in the Wantage and Grove Herald last month the Douglas & Gribben full page spread: “Development opportunity Foliat Drive, Wantage”, which stated the Vale of White Horse District Council planning department had provided written confirmation that they would be supportive of a scheme to build four, detached, executive-style houses on the tennis courts in Foliat Drive.
We are all aware that the previous administration at the district council had signed and sealed an agreement with Wantage Lawn Tennis Club to build tennis courts and a clubhouse within the Millennium Park, Manor Road, and that the tennis club were dependent on the sale of their land in Foliat Drive to fund their ‘vision’.
However, I believe there was a legal covenant on that land preventing its sale for housing. In view of the phenomenal number of housing that both Grove and Wantage are having to absorb now, and bearing in mind the high density of that housing (apartments, three-storey houses on a small footprint, etc, with either no, or little, garden), it is imperative that the community do not lose more open or amenity space.
Should the planning department be providing written supportive confirmation for a development contrary to the original covenant on that land and to the detriment of the community at large? I think not, whatever funding difficulties the tennis club are experiencing.
Carol Tomlinson
Elizabeth Drive
Wantage
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