Four homes will create ‘hazard’ for drivers

PLANS to build four new homes on land south of Hardwick Road in Whitchurch have been criticised.

Richard Hazell wants to develop 1.3 hectares of equestrian land, situated within the Chilterns National Landscape, which comprises paddocks, a manège and stables.

He submitted the plans to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, to construct one one-bedroom, two three-bedroom and one four-bedroom dwelling.

Part of the site would be retained and managed for habitat enhancement, including the creation of areas of wildflower meadow.

Concerns have been raised about access to the property from Hardwick Road.

Patricia Hollinghurst of Swanston Field, who lives opposite the site, said the road was a “busy” one.

She said: “This presents a significant safety hazard for both drivers and pedestrians. Visibility is limited and additional vehicle movements from the site would increase the risk of accidents.

“It would generate additional traffic on the road, which is already unsatisfactory in terms of capacity and safety.

“During school hours, this road is particularly busy with parents and children walking to and from the local primary school and nursery. Any increase in traffic would heighten the risk and danger to pedestrians.”

Christine Jacqueline Minton, also of Hardwick Road, said: “The narrow track from the ‘horse field’ which emerges on to Hardwick Road would be highly unsuitable for heavy traffic, causing noise and disturbances harmful to the residential amenity of the occupants living adjacent or nearby.

“The generation of more traffic on to Hardwick Road, not particularly wide at that point, would be a potential hazard to road users, especially the many families who walk to and from the school to parked cars.”

In January 2023, a certificate was granted for equestrian use of the land and the construction of two stables and a manège.

Previous applications, for five or eight houses in 1989 and for 10 houses in 1997, were both refused.

The district council will make a final decision.