Developers are making a second bid to develop flats opposite Kidlington’s High Street conservation area.

Having previously failed with an ultra modern scheme to replace two bungalows at 64 and 66 High Street, they have this time opted for a mock Victorian theme.

If approved, the scheme would result in the highest profile residential building on Kidlington High Street being a large pseudo Victorian villa wedged amongst bungalows and staring out on to listed 17th century buildings.

The previous scheme was turned down on the grounds of overdevelopment and unacceptable vehicular activity.

The new scheme is for the same number of flats, eight, but with yet more parking spaces ––14.

The conservation area is set in a part of the High Street that at present is clearly delineated from the shopping centre and the accompanying high-density flats.

Existing residential property on the south side of the High Street, from Exeter Road westwards, is characterised by being low-density and, around the junction itself, low-profile, thus complementing the conservation area frontages on the other side of the road.

The visual impact of the proposed high-density development at such a prominent corner would be strikingly assertive, disproportionate and out of place.

Judging from the planning history of the area, the conservation area (in 1991) was designated in the knowledge that planning policies would protect its setting.

Clearly times change, but this development would shatter any illusion that the settings of conservation areas now matter at all.

The applicant’s previous submission highlighted the considerable scope for redevelopment in the High Street. Councillors should stand by their previous decision and refuse permission for a development which would trigger an era of rapid intensification and in-filling that would severely damage the remaining amenity of the High Street.

JEFF LYES High Street Kidlington