Plans for homes at airfield not ruled out

PLANS to build more than 3,000 houses at Chalgrove Airfield could still go ahead.

Homes England is continuing to pursue a planning application to redevelop the land despite the Liberal Democrats that run South Oxfordshire District Council removing the site from its new local plan.

The previous Conservative administration had allocated the site for homes in the 2035 local plan.

The new plan will go to public consultation.

Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, is still entitled to bring forward an application after withdrawing its original application for outline planning permission in 2021 following criticism by the Civil Aviation Authority.

It wants to build 3,400 homes, 35 per cent of which would be affordable, as well as two primary schools, one secondary school to allow for the expansion of Icknield Community College in Watlington and a new town centre with an employment and business area.

Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Watlington on the district council, told a meeting of the parish council: “They do have to overcome all the barriers that made the previous proposal fail.

“They have done some traffic surveys in and around Chalgrove, which some residents there have noted, and they’re also doing public engagement exercises, which are not a formal consultation as part of the planning process.

“It’s fairly common these days for developers to try to do these types of events.

“I’m sure it’s going to spark some interest among residents but for as long as we don’t have a formal planning application, then it’s just basically speculation. We’ll see what happens.”

Kate McBride, project director at Homes England, said: “Chalgrove Airfield provides an unrivalled opportunity to create a 21st century market town on previously developed land that integrates with the existing community of Chalgrove, helps improve the sustainability of the nearby communities and supports the delivery of long-term growth across South Oxfordshire.

“In addition to 3,400 much-needed homes, of which more than 1,100 would be affordable, the plans include schools, community facilities, employment opportunities and transport infrastructure that are needed by both the existing and new communities.

“We would like people to come and find out more about what Chalgrove Airfield would bring to the area and how the plans have evolved using feedback from local residents and to meet the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority.

“We are also seeking views on the preferred transport options to help ease traffic flows in the area. Our team will also be on hand to answer questions.”

Consultation sessions will be held today (Friday) from 11am to 3pm and tomorrow from 10am to 2pm at the John Hampden Hall in High Street, Chalgrove, and an online consultation webinar will be held on April 30 from 6pm.

For more information, visit chalgroveairfield.com