In the field adjoining the one with the deer shown yesterday, plans for the development of 160 dwellings were received by our district council (VWHDC) two weeks ago. Residents in Virginia Way and Lucca Drive should soon be notified as they are affected directly.

During the public consultation the developers heard complaints about the effect of extra traffic on the already congested Drayton Road, and Ock Street; the effect on flooding, and wildlife.

Responses to the planning application should be made by 28th November via http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P12/V2266/FUL where you can also read the traffic survey, bat survey, tree survey etc. etc.

The developers do argue that since VWHDC has no properly agreed local housing plan to meet government targets then the national objective to boost provision for housing (called National Planning Policy Framework) should take precedence.

Thanks to a resident from Virginia Way for an email saying “It seems we have moles now!!!”

Workmen with an excavator have been creating a network of ditches in the field alongside Virginia Way.

This is the same field proposed for development of 170 houses.

From the Abbey Gardens the new Care Homes being built at Thames View are screened by the tall trees, but from the Waitrose Carpark the new buildings are clearly visible. They will be traditionally styled two and three storey apartments.

It was hoped a few years ago when the Thames View site was first redeveloped that its would continue to keep some employment near the town centre, alongside residential developments. But the site no longer seemed attractive to businesses.

A Care Home, with possibly 90 employees, was seen by district council planners as a better compromise than just housing.