750 new Bloor Homes approved at Ladygrove in Didcot

South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, approved the application for the 29.4-hectare site to the east of the existing Ladygrove which has been earmarked for development since 2006.

Bloor Homes and Dare Warwick (Properties) submitted the outline application which also includes six hectares of parkland, open space, play areas, a community centre and allotments.

Six councillors voted for the homes, with two against and two abstaining, despite several concerns including the need for a second access point instead of just Hadden Hill and the lack of infrastructure in the area.

A picture of the allocated site.

Councillor David Rouane, who represents Didcot, told a meeting of the planning committee that he was concerned that any off-site contributions for health care would be allocated to Woodlands Medical Centre as it was “miles away”.

He added that residents are concerned about the increase of traffic without a through-road being constructed from the A4130.

However developers have said it is unlikely the road will be built until 2025 due to needing the funds from about 150 homes being sold.

Mr Rouane said: “Didcot has accepted a lot of building for a long time and normally without complaining but I have to say I’ve never seen the level of anger that I’m picking up at the moment from local residents about the lack of supporting infrastructure.”

Councillor Elizabeth Gillespie added: “Personally we have all been bitten by these estates coming forward and conditions being there.

“I understand that the developers need finances before they can provide the infrastructure that we require. It’s very, very frustrating that central government support this absolutely in full because I’m sure there are ways developers could borrow.

“But we would lose this is we went to appeal which would be costing us more money and time and the people of the county money and time.

“It’s a very sustainably and commendable development. It’s the only road we have even if it’s with a heavy heart.”

Councillor David Bretherton, who chairs the council’s planning meeting, added: “The health centre, although it is a concern, it’s nothing we can control. It’s a matter for the CCG so we can’t turn it down on these grounds, it’s impossible.

“The development of the road is another issue but it’s the development that provides the funds for the infrastructure.

“We have to allow the developer to create the funds for the infrastructure to be built which is why it can’t come first and a number of houses need to be built.”