1. Store Conversion (and change of Use)

An application has been submitted to convert the existing M&S unit at Fairacres into a food store, with associated car parking and external alterations. This proposal is opposed by the owners of Bury Street, who cite planning conditions that restrict out-of-centre food retail in order to safeguard Abingdon’s town centre. Consultation on this application has ended and a decision is expected by 15th September 2025.

It has a planning reference: P25/V1108/FUL

2. Mini-Roundabout Upgrade at Fairacres / Nuffield Way

A second application proposes installing a mini-roundabout at the junction between Fairacres Retail Park and Nuffield Way to improve traffic flow. Surveys commissioned on behalf of M&S show that, at peak times, delays are significantly longer for vehicles exiting Fairacres than for those leaving Nuffield Way. The proposed roundabout is expected to ease the exit from Fairacres. Comments on this application are mostly from people who use Nuffield Way regularly and highlight existing concerns about heavy traffic along Nuffield Way at peak times. There are also comments about whether a mini-roundabout will make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians or not. Consultation on this ends on 28th August 2025. So there is still time to respond.
It has a planning reference: P25/V1525/FUL

The town council planning committee is meeting tonight to review several proposals, including one for redeveloping a small square in Bury Street, the one with the trees and kiosks. This area was left untouched during the previous redevelopment of Bury Street.

The proposed plans would demolish one kiosk (currently Phone Box) and build two new kiosks. It would combine and extend units 19a (currently Khush’s Brow Boutique) and 20 (currently Timpson) to create a café with outdoor seating.

The larger tree (a Maple) would be kept, while the smaller tree (a Cherry) would be removed and replaced with planters.

The plans also include new benches, planters – one with a sculpture, new paving, and a mural on the high wall above the store being used for prom dresses.

On Broad Street, a featureless brick wall would become a community wall featuring art by local people.

For more information see: P25/V0236/FUL

A plan for the future of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, the first joint plan, is now ready for six weeks of public review. It plans for housing, jobs, and infrastructure needs up to 2041 and will supersede the existing separate plans that go to 2031.

The plan prioritises existing developments, protecting greenfield sites. The only proposed expansion is at Dalton Barracks near Abingdon owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Council leaders are very enthusiastic in their press release.

Councillor Bethia Thomas (Vale of White Horse): “It’s a big step forward for our communities that we’re at this stage earlier than anticipated…”

Councillor David Rouane (South Oxfordshire): “We’re one step closer to adopting this ground-breaking plan with policies such as increasing the proportion of affordable housing on large sites…”

Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson (South Oxfordshire): “This is an ambitious and innovative plan…”

Councillor Andy Foulsham (Vale of White Horse): “I’m proud of this plan and how it looks to tackle the climate emergency…”

Visit https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/planning-and-development/local-plan-and-planning-policies/local-plan-2041/ to review the Joint Local Plan and submit your comments before November 12th.

Someone wants to build a house between Stratton Way and Withington Court on amenity land. This area is privately owned but has been used by the public for 50 years.

The part on Stratton Way has a bench and flower bed maintained by the council.

It is separated by a wall from the other part that was wild and green. The owner has cleared this area already, but the picture shows what it was like.

The Vale of White Horse District Council will decide and are open to public comments. Web comments can be made until 20th January 2024. See https://data.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P23/V2848/O#exactline.