We are very disappointed to tell you that Cherwell Council’s planners have recommended that the planning application for 340 houses on Land Behind the Moors should be approved. The planning committee will meet next Thursday (15th January) to make a decision.
We have opposed the development of this Green Belt land for over a decade as have many Kidlington residents. (More information is on our website at: https://www.kidlingtondw.org/) Cherwell received over 480 objections to the proposal with only 9 comments in support. This appears to have counted for little but we are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to respond.
The planners are recommending that the land should be considered ‘Grey Belt’ (even though it remains in the Green Belt) which means that it is much easier to recommend approval. In doing so they have made highly subjective and convoluted assessments with which we strongly disagree. However, the Government’s definition and guidance is worded in such a way that much Green Belt land can be argued to be ‘Grey Belt’.
It is a travesty that the Land Behind the Moors, which is unspoilt, tranquil, open countryside and has never been developed should be classified as Grey Belt. It has historic significance as part of the setting for St. Mary’s church which should also preclude this designation.
This is an outline application. If it is approved there will be opportunities in future to comment on the further (“Reserved Matters”) application(s) which would be necessary to approve details such as the layout of the site and the design of the buildings and also on the use of the proposed large area of open space within the site. Should it, for example, be used for formal sports (cricket pitches), informal recreation or nature conservation or a combination of these and/or other uses?
The Committee Meeting is at 4.00pm on Thursday 15th January. Members of the public can attend in person or view the meeting on-line at https://cherwell.public-i.tv/core/portal/home. The application will be the first to be discussed. Only 5 minutes are allocated for objectors to speak and we understand that the Parish Council and representatives of the Campaign to Save the Land Behind the Moors intend to do so.
Thank You
Kidlington Development Watch
Planning Application (25/01346/OUT) for 340 Houses at Land North of the Moors
Outline planning application with All Matters Reserved (except means of access) for up to 340 dwellings (Use Class C3), land for local community use and pavilion, landscaping, public
open space and associated infrastructure, including demolition of 162 The Moors to enable all modes access.
The Officers' report recommending approval is part of the planning committee reports pack for the meeting which can be downloaded here should you
wish to read the details.