Two threats (From Herald Series)

Two threats

9:00am Wednesday 24th June 2009

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Sir, The inhabitants of Winterbrook appear to be under threat from two recent developments — the planning application by Wates to build a large housing estate at Winterbrook and the attempt by Wallingford Town Council to take control of the area from Cholsey Parish Council.

The high-density development proposed by Wates would almost double the present number of houses. It would destroy the landscape and character of Winterbrook and ruin an attractive approach route to Wallingford. The increased traffic and the need for a new junction on Reading Road, close to that at Winterbrook Lane, would increase congestion, noise and pollution.

These and other objections to development at Winterbrook were raised during the public consultation period of the South Oxfordshire District Council core strategy plan and on the selection of a preferred (ie least worst) site for development around Wallingford. The conclusions of these studies are due to be published later this year.

In fact, the Wates application appears designed to pre-empt the core strategy plan and should be refused. If it were allowed to go ahead, it would make a mockery of several years of discussions and render pointless the whole strategic planning exercise.

The attempt by Wallingford Town Council to take over Winterbrook is nothing new. Several similar attempts were made in the past. Whenever residents of Winterbrook have been consulted, they have opposed annexation and expressed a wish to remain part of Cholsey. The reason is simple — Cholsey Parish Council has always opposed development at Winterbrook and defended its present character, whereas Wallingford Town Council is keen to sacrifice it to developers in order to increase the council’s income and influence.

J B Taylor Winterbrook Lane Wallingford

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