Hundreds of people have objected to plans for a second new estate next to a village that will be 'the straw that breaks the camel’s back', according to a county councillor.

Catesby Strategic Land Limited is seeking outline planning permission to build 134 homes on fields on the western edge of Minster Lovell.

The scheme off Burford Road would be next to a nearly completed 126-home estate by Bovis Homes.

Liam Walker, who is standing for the Hailey, Minster Lovell and Leafield ward on West Oxfordshire District Council in the May local elections, said: "This new development is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back and will put even more pressure on the sewage system, the primary school which is now basically at capacity and add more vehicles on local roads."

READ ALSO: A34 lorry driver's death caused by loss of attention, inquest hears

Minster Lovell Parish Council strongly objects and says: “This development has no integration with the village. It is another ‘dormitory’ suburb set beyond the existing new Bovis development.”

Oxford Mail:

Among hundreds of objection comments on the WODC planning portal, Jean King writes: "At a Parish Council meeting a representative from the planning office at West Oxfordshire District Council told the audience and the councillors that Minster Lovell would 'be seen to have done it's bit' once the original 126 houses were built.

"Regardless of what the various consultants say residents in the village know there simply is not ample infrastructure to cope with any more."

Consultees the NHS says the local healthcare network is already under pressure from nearby planning applications, "and this application directly impacts on the ability of the Windrush Medical Practice surgery in particular, to provide primary care services to the increasing population."

The applicant said 40 per cent of the homes – up to 56 dwellings - will be affordable "in an area where affordability poses a serious challenge to those in housing need".

It said the proposed development will "provide significant public open space and play facilities", biodiversity enhancements and pedestrian and cycle links into the village.

A planning statement in support of the application says: "West Oxfordshire cannot demonstrate a 5 Year Housing Land Supply at this time, and therefore the tilted balance is engaged."

READ ALSO: Councillor storms out of 20mph scheme meeting - despite injured ankle

It concludes there would be no long-term, significant harm to the landscape of the site and surroundings, and the proposed landscaping "would result in an improvement to the transition between the settlement and surrounding countryside".

It says there would be no harm to nearby heritage assets "and the amenity of existing and future residents of Minster Lovell would be preserved".

It says financial contributions to support off-site infrastructure will be secured by a legal agreement.

Mr Walker said: “Minster Lovell like many other villages in West Oxfordshire has seen an increase in housing sites due to the district council's failure to have a sound local plan and meet its 5-year land supply commitment.

"The focus needs to be on building more sustainable developments like Eynsham Garden Village rather than adding more pressure on our once small villages that simply cannot cope with this increase in housing.” 

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

Profile: Miranda Norris Journalists news from the Oxford Mail