Great news, for once! If you haven’t heard already, we are delighted to be able to tell you that Cherwell’s Planning Committee has decided to refuse the application for 340 houses on Land Behind the Moors. This was despite the planning officers’ recommendation for approval.
Before the committee discussion, Dorothy Walker spoke as Ward Councillor and gave a very convincing explanation of why the site was not Grey Belt and why it should be rejected on heritage grounds. Only five minutes were allowed for objectors in total, but in that time David Robey for the Parish Council together with Lisa Smith and Daphne Hampson for the Campaign to Save the Land Behind the Moors, were able to reinforce strongly the points that Dorothy had made.
During the discussion, Councillor after Councillor, questioned the validity of classing the site as Grey Belt and stressing its importance to the community as open countryside. It was remarkable that these concerns came from across the political spectrum. Councillor John Broad from Bicester raised many important points and referred to the number of emails from members of the public he had received, illustrating that these really make a difference. The officers argued that in their professional judgment, the overall benefits of the development would outweigh the lasting harm it would cause, but admitted this was partly a subjective decision. Their case for classing the land as 'grey belt' was challenged repeatedly and obviously failed to convince.
Lesley McLean, who is Kidlington Parish Council Chair as well as a member of Cherwell’s Planning Committee, spoke forcefully and convincingly in proposing that the application should be rejected. Sixteen members voted for refusal with two abstentions (including the committee chair). It is remarkable and unusual to have a near unanimous vote against officers’ recommendations.
As you will know, KDW has strongly opposed development of this land for many years both in the Local Plan process and in our objections to the current application. The applicants will almost certainly appeal this decision and we should be prepared for that. However we hope we will now be able to press KDW’s case for the land to be designated as a Local Green Space when the Local Plan is examined by a planning inspector in the coming months.
Many congratulations to Daphne and Lisa who led the Campaign to Save the Land Behind the Moors with such energy. Thank you to all KDW supporters who sent in their objections to the application.
Thank You
Kidlington Development Watch