Contentious plans for a fishing and holiday lodge complex near Banbury have been recommended for refusal.
Cherwell District Council planning officers say the scheme, near The Indian Queen restaurant on the A422 Stratford Road, would harm the rural character of the area.
Applicant ATE Farms has applied for planning permission for two fishing lakes, two nursery lakes, the siting of 15 accommodation lodges, eight pods, as well as management building and vehicle access.
The scheme will be decided by Cherwell District Council's planning committee on Thursday, November 7.
It has been controversial among local people with 36 letters of objection.
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"It is against public opinion, and I imagine many people would like to see the Crooked House Pub rebuilt before these individuals are trusted with any further developments.
“It's out of keeping, unneeded and unnecessary.”
David Martin, of Millers Lane, Hornton, added: “I write to object to the proposed development of a fishing and holiday lodge complex near Alkerton.
“In summary, this development is wholly unnecessary, in an unsuitable location, will cause disruption to local residents and wildlife, and increase the likelihood of road traffic accidents.”
Jenny Bowes, of The Green, Hornton, said: “With regard to this application I would like to say that, having lost a friend to a traffic accident on this road, I do not think that another access on to the A422 is safe.
"A lot of water lies on this road and vehicles travel at speed as it is a long stretch, more vehicles pulling out will increase the danger of an accident.”
In the planning officers' report, it said: “The proposed lodges, pods and fishing lakes would bring benefits to the rural and visitor economies and help to meet a need for more visitor accommodation in the area. These benefits attract significant weight.
“The proposals are, however, located in an inherently unsustainable location and guests would be reliant on the private car to access the site and to access local services and attractions once on site.
"No evidence of a specific need for these facilities in this location has been identified. These matters weigh heavily against the proposals.”
It added: “Officers have also concluded that both parts of the proposal would cause harm to the rural character of the area and given the lack of information to consider the full impact of this proposal on the wider locality, this harm is not outweighed by the economic benefits of the scheme.
“The proposal is therefore considered to be unacceptable and is therefore recommended for refusal.”
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About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby
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