Witney in Oxfordshire to get 450 homes despite prior refusal

A total of 450 houses along with associated open space and green infrastructure are set to be built on land south east of Oxford Hill in east Witney.

This comes as the proposals were submitted by developer The Mawle Trustees and Trustees of Northfield Life Interest in September 2020 for two parcels of land – Cogges Triangle and Cogges South.

But these plans were initially refused by West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) in May last year.

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Site plan. (Image: West Oxfordshire District Council.)

The scheme, which is in the 2018 Local Plan, will provide 40 per cent affordable homes, which will accommodate up to 1,080 people.

WODC had initially refused it as the authority feared "landscape harm" given the "proposed building heights" and concern was raised over a lack of "sufficient information" with regard to "measurable biodiversity gain", among other reasons.

But in an opening submission for its appeal, the appellant said: "This is an appeal which should not have had to be made, as the council now accepts.

"It is a scheme which, in terms of much needed housing provision, will make a hugely positive contribution towards Witney in particular and West Oxfordshire District in general.

Witney. (Image: NQ.)

"It is wholly in accordance with local and national policy and there are no material considerations which would justify reaching a decision that is different from the axiomatic grant of permission which should ordinarily follow in this case."

The applicant went on to claim there had been a "very limited level of response from local residents and other interested parties" and that this was a "mark of care with which the application has been made and the quality of its provision".

Planning inspector Philip Mileham responded to all points made, as part of his appeal decision statement, and subsequently granted the permission.

Hailey Minster Lovell and Leafield Conservative councillor Liam Walker said: "I think it’s disappointing that residents who have taken the time to object to a big housing site like Witney East have then had their views ignored by the council.

Liam Walker. (Image: West Oxfordshire District Council.)

"The way the appeal was pulled before the local election then only revealed after votes had been cast was deeply inappropriate in my view.

"The coalition at West Oxfordshire has really lost control of housing in the district and developers are now circling the fields of West Oxfordshire to build even more.”

Witney East Labour councillor Duncan Enright said: "This development has been in the works for 30 years.

Councillor Duncan Enright. (Image: WODC.)
"It's important to make sure we got the right layout and infrastructure - and now that's been agreed, thank goodness.

"Local people need homes - this is welcome as long it also provides the additional infrastructure."

Mr Enright said one thing he was looking forward to in particular was the "new footpaths" as part of the development.

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi