Cherwell throws out plans for two resi schemes

Cherwell District Council planners have refused two separate proposals from developers to bring forward new homes to the region. Manor Oak Homes was seeking an outline planning permission for the second phase of development at a 21-acre site north of Dukes Meadow Drive in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The proposals followed the planning consent secured in May this year for 78 homes immediately to the south of the site. Proposals for the second phase of the scheme comprised up to 117 homes and associated open space. The planning committee has resolved to refuse the scheme based on its contradiction to the development plan, a potential harm to the landscape, and lack of infrastructure. The decision came despite officer’s recommendation to approve the development following last month’s publication of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024.  William Main, cofounder and managing director of Manor Oak Homes, said: “We will immediately be appealing this decision. “Members, based on their own inclinations, have overturned an officer recommendation that followed eight months of hard work and thorough testing of the proposal by technical consultees and officers alike.” The planning committee has also blocked Richborough Estates’ proposals to build 99 homes on a 17-acre site west of Fringford Road in Caversfield near Bicester. At least 35% of the homes would have been affordable. The developer was looking to demolish existing stables, barns and a house on the site to bring forward four two-storey blocks of flats. The scheme was refused in line with the officer’s recommendation amid concerns that the proposed development sits in “isolation” and “lacks integration” with the wider village. Check out more planning decisions in Cherwell >> Image © Manor Oak Homes