Plans submitted to build 86 houses near Winterslow - again

The application is for a variety of different sized houses to be built on land off Middleton Road, Winterslow, and, if approved, would also see developers provide new access from Middleton Road and cycleway/footpath network.

This includes 21 one-bedroom houses, 30 two-bedroom, 26 three-bedroom, and 7 four-plus bedroom.

Developers would also provide a new children's play area, an ecological buffer to Brown's Copse, and drainage detention basin.

It is not the first time developers have tried to build on this site, with an application to build “up to 22 market dwellings, nine affordable dwellings, and four elderly bungalows” submitted in November, 2018.

This was rejected, as was an appeal against the decision in 2019.

The planning, design and access statement submitted with thapplicationon states: "The proposed mix housing ensures that local housing need is met and that a sustainable pattern of development is delivered.

"The proposed housing mix, with an emphasis on smaller house types, will meet the identified local need and allow for the provision of elderly persons accommodation (within the bungalows) and first time buyers/ young families.

It adds: "The proposal will support the vital everyday local services that exist within the village (village shop and pub) and ensure a future and sustainable level of intakes for the local schools – with the result being that village residents will not have to travel by car to access such services, thereby providing the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and supporting the Council’s identified climate change outcomes."

Winterslow Neighbourhood Plan

The planning, design and access statement says that Winterlsow Parish Council’s most recently published neighbourhood plans progress map shows that Winterslow Parish Council has successfully applied to designate a neighbourhood plan area.

It adds: "However, a plan is yet to be drafted and therefore no weight can be applied to the neighbourhood plan.

"Whilst the background work was undertaken to identify sites suitable for development none were identified which met the minimum threshold to deliver affordable housing – this site was excluded from the process and the plan was subsequently abandoned."

In conclusion, it says the statement "demonstrates that the proposal fully accords with the development plan, national policies and material considerations", adding: "It presents a sustainable form of development which responds to and builds upon the precedents established in the sites planning history.

"The proposal responds to the Council’s need for housing delivery and will deliver 86 new homes in a sustainable location, adjoining an existing settlement boundary."

The parish council has not officially responded to the plans, but did issue a statement in February in anticipation of the application.

To view the plans in full or to comment on the application, click here.

The consultation deadline is Thursday, July 1.