The Planning Inspector has started his Stage 2 hearings regarding the – Vale of White Horse District Council – Local Plan to 2031. The hearings started today (Tuesday 2) and carry on till Friday 19 February.

Sessions most likely of interest are:
Wednesday 3: Green Belt
Thursday 4: Strategy for Abingdon-on-Thames and Oxford Fringe Sub Area
Tuesday 16: Five-Year supply of housing land
Thursday 18: Supporting infrastructure and services

The hearings are at the Beacon in Wantage, starting at 10.00 each day. Anyone can go and observe, but only those pre-registered can speak. There are a lot of written submissions already.

For example Carter Jonas for Commercial Estates Group want to develop the area north of Abingdon with 800 houses and a primary school. They have a long documents why this development is ‘soundly based and deliverable‘.

The North Abingdon Local Plan Group are against this development for reasons of traffic congestion and air pollution.

More information at http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/new-local-plan-2031/vale-white-horse-local

Thanks to Hester for letting us know.

Just off the Drayton Road in Abingdon, the first of 159 residencies are taking shape.

There were a number of attempts to stop this development which local people, councillors, and the MP opposed as not being in the right place. But as there was no local plan in place at the time the development was allowed by a planning inspector.

Off the Oxford Road another smaller development is taking place. In this case there was controversy because all the trees were cleared from the site even though that was not in the planning application.

The former home of Status Trophies, 99 Ock Street, is being extended at the back and turned into housing.

Lansbrough Estate moved from West St Helen Street to Ock Street, and Natural Health moved to Coxeter House. The vacated building was reconfigured: upstairs was converted to accommodation, and a new shop front was added.

Two years later the shop front has been bricked up, and two smaller windows fitted.

It is nearly six months since the Upper Reaches Hotel and Restuarant was suddenly closed and boarded up. There is no planning application yet for a change or use. But Sue saw workmen there today …

Sue says, “While walking the dog this morning I noticed some activity in the car park of the Upper Reaches. One bloke was using one of those big hammer machines that rams down into the ground.

There were other workmen on the other side of the carpark, and others wandering around nearer the building. What is happening? Does anyone know?

I have heard a rumor that it may be turned into more housing? I think this would be a real shame. If run properly that site could be a wonderful venue and be a draw to the town.