On the hottest day of the year people queued for 20-30 minutes at Tilsley Park to take part in a consultation being carried out by developers CEG about housing on land north of Abingdon. Large maps emphasized some of the community benefits that the development could bring, including a new primary school, footpaths and cycle ways, sports pitches and wide open spaces. The development could also give a financial contribution to a full diamond interchange at Lodge Hill.

Information about the consultation is available at North Abingdon Housing Proposals. The developers envisage work starting on the 900 homes in 2018 and ending by 2028.

The Cross Keys is currently being renovated and turned into 6 one bedroom properties, prices from £190,000.

Work on the Saxton Arms has not yet begun.

The ex pubs in Abingdon must be considered small beer by developers.

There will be an exhibition of outline planning for 900 new houses in North Abingdon on Tuesday 19th July, 5 – 8pm, Tilsey Park, Dunmore Road.

There will be two exhibitions to give the people of Abingdon an opportunity to view the initial proposals for development of 900 homes on farmland to the north of Abingdon:
Saturday 16th July, 11 – 4pm, Trinity Church Conduit Centre, Conduit Road.
Tuesday 19th July, 5 – 8pm, Tilsey Park, Dunmore Road.

The developers, CEG, want to get outline planning permission through the Vale of White Horse District Council and so are presenting ideas for initial public feedback as part of the process. Top among the worries of local people are likely to be increased traffic problems, and the erosion of the green belt separating Abingdon from Oxford.

The inspector looking into the Vale of White Horse development Plan to 2031 has said that, subject to some modifications, he is likely to find that the plan is sound and can be adopted. The only modification that may effect Abingdon is ‘Whilst the inspector is happy that there are exceptional circumstances to amend the green belt in four areas where the council is proposing housing allocations.He is not satisfied with other proposed changes to the green belt where no housing is proposed and has stated there are not exceptional circumstances to justify them.’

So it looks like the 1000+ new houses to the North of Abingdon will be allowed. I am not so sure about the Park and Ride for 1600 cars, and ancillary development at Lodge Hill. The full press release is available under the title ‘Great news for the Vale’s Local Plan’