Reasons to Object
Below are some reasons compiled from comments both on the
comments page and from comments on the planning permission application.
If/when objecting, please do review the list of planning policies and perhaps
use their references as specific points - in your own words.
Of course, feel free to make more comments and suggestions in the
comments area.
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Bloxham has an official
Neighbourhood Plan
that was brought into the statutory Development Plan by Cherwell
District Council on
19th December 2016.
This explicitly outlines the stance on new developments in the
village. What is the point in having this plan if it is not
'enforced' and instead completely disregarded?
-
The proposed site sits directly 'alongside' a known flood plain:
building in that area could create run-off and contribute to the
existing flooding that does happen periodically through the year.
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The proposed site will be in very close proximity to the Slade
nature reserve. There would obviously be displacement and
disruption - in particular during the building processes.
-
The proposed site being directly next to the recreational park,
residents and nature reserve will cause significant environmental
problems during any sort of excavation and building work. The air
and noise pollution are well known problems during these
developments, with the ramifications greatly increased on the
effected areas due to their close proximity.
-
Schools are already at capacity. In particular the Primary School
which cannot grow any more, is at a point where placements are
becoming harder to secure even for children born in the village.
Expansion of the Warriner is already getting push-back and objections
for various reasons, indicating that expansion is not suitable there
either. Increasing the number of households that require school
placements, without having places for those children, will obviously
generate traffic - likely through the village - and of course at
peak times in order to take their children to other schools.
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The village amenities are already insufficient due to increased
demand from the other new build developments. Waiting times for
doctors and dentists are always increasing: 1-2 weeks for a doctor
and many weeks for a dentist/hygienist.
-
Bloxham has already seen 5 new development sites in less than 10
years.
-
Bloxham has met its quota of new housing requirements: to argue that
there is a need for this housing (and would be 'over developing')
in our village is moot: especially when other areas are under their
quota. Do we have evidence?
-
The South Newington Road is already problematic with speeding
vehicles entering and leaving the village. Moving the limit
before the new proposed access road will not make any difference.
Adding a junction will only increase the risk of accidents - in
particular from vehicles leaving the village and increasing speed
around the corner after the bridge.
-
Access is not possible via any other means. While it would seem that
Hyde Grove would 'make sense' to a developer: it is a cul-de-sac on
the edge of an area accessed by two already troublesome roads.
Station Approach is seldom used, but for good reason: it is a tight
approach and a sharp corner which would not serve for an increase
in traffic. Cumberford Hill is also already tight (with no white
lines), steep and not suitable for increased traffic (already
increased from new builds on Upper Tadmarton Road).
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It is understood that the land owner previously submitted the site
as a possible option for development, but that CDC actually said it
was not suitable to build on. Why should that have changed?