HEARINGS into whether 4,400 homes should be built on the Green Belt north of Oxford have started.
Planning inspector Paul Griffiths will sit at hearings due to end next Wednesday in Cherwell District Council’s chamber in Bodicote.
He will be asked to decide whether building the new homes to accommodate Oxford City Council’s unmet housing need in Begbroke, Yarnton and Kidlington is sound.
Read again: Plans for 4,400 homes north of Oxford challenged by villagers from Kidlington, Begbroke and Yarnton
Thousands of people said they were opposed to the measure when Cherwell councillors approved the policy last February.
Cherwell District and Oxford City Council are in favour of the homes being built, along with developers, but opponents include Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran.
The Cherwell Development Watch Alliance, which is also opposed to the homes being built, said the 4,400 home figure was based on ‘grossly overstated estimates’.
Read also: Cherwell homes plan for Oxford Green Belt backed by planning inspector
Giles Lewis, of Cherwell Development Watch Alliance, said: “If Oxford City changed its policy of reserving land for new employment, it could build all the houses it needs on its own land .”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel