Developer plans 131 more homes and new charity HQ

A DEVELOPER has launched a consultation ahead of submitting plans to build 131 homes in Henley.

Developer Crest Nicholson, which has already built 191 houses in Highlands Park, in Greys Road, now wants to add to it as part of “phase two” of the project.

The company’s proposal includes land for the provision of 20 homes to be managed under a community land trust.

It also wants to build a new home for the Chiltern Centre, a charity that offers respite care for young adults, as well as new facilities for the town council’s parks services team.

It says it will construct new foot and cycle paths. Separate to this, the company wants to submit an application to relocate its employment space and community centre to a more “prominent” location and replace 21 homes that have already been built.

It says a range of sustainability measures are proposed as well as extensive new planting and landscaping.

Christian Morgan, land director at Crest Nicholson, said: “After many years of working in collaboration with Henley Town Council and Harpsden Parish Council through the neighbourhood plan process, phase two will add to the suite of benefits that Highlands Park is already delivering for Henley.

“Phase two will see Highlands Park delivering even more affordable housing, as well as land for a new home for the Chiltern Centre, new footpaths and more. We look forward to discussing our proposals with the local community.”

Tom Buckley, who chairs the town council’s planning committee, said he was in favour of the proposals. He said: “From a planning committee perspective, I am happy with the way Crest Nicholson are approaching it.

“We have seen what they are doing and obviously the development is in the Joint Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Plan so it is good for us that we actually deliver on that plan.

“Crest Nicholson themselves have been good at doing what they say they are going to do and make the changes they say they will make.

“The homes up there are of a high standard and I think the residents up there seem pretty positive with what they have got up. As long as we can get equivalent or better quality, then I will be happy with it.”

Once the plans are finalised, the company will have to submit an application to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, for approval.

The consultation on the proposals is open until July 23. For more information and to take part, visit www.highlandspark.co.uk