WHAT'S GOING ON AT TANK FARM

With a major Planning application submitted for this field and a large number of objections submitted, it is not surprising that local residents are watching developments like hawks. The last few weeks has seen considerable activity in what seems to be water pipe laying - including a new main through the Wimpey site. Oliver Herrin took the photographs below over the weekend. There are concerns that this could be preparation work for new housing - whereas the Planning Committee have not yet considered the application and the Planning Officer has not even produced his initial report.

PLANNERS RECOMMEND REFUSAL
FOR TANK FARM DEVELOPMENT

".......the proposal would involve the development of greenfield land beyond the built-up area of Chipping Norton which would conflict with Local Plan policies for the location of new housing. It would also affect the balance between housing and jobs and be likely to cause an increase in commuting from the town. The contribution to meeting the �need� for affordable housing is uncertain and does not outweigh this harm. Furthermore, no provision has been made for enhancing local transport, service and community infrastructure. It is recommended that planning permission should be refused........."

The Planning officer's report on the proposed Tank farm development of 50 affordable houses has just been published on the West Oxfordshire District Council website. http://www.westoxon.gov.uk/files/reports/7659.pdf
There have been a large number of objections (35) and - as predicted - the officer has thankfully recommended refusal. If the Planning Committee endorse this recommendation next Monday (as they surely will) many of us expect the developer to appeal against the decision and that would be when the real action begins. Brassey Close campaigners should not hang up their hard hats just yet!

Round one at Tank Farm to the people

GREENFIELD INVASION

ANOTHER FOOTPATH UNDER THREAT

In the early part of this year Gleeson Homes were refused planning permission to build on �Tank Farm�.

Now effectively the public foot path has been closed to most people who use it for dog walking or coming home from Holy Trinity School.  (Our newly elected Tory Councillor Mr John Osmond is one local resident who  walks his dogs along this path) This has been achieved by the erection of stiles at either end of what was the foot path and notices attached to these saying that there is a �Bull in The Field� -  therefore scaring people off  walking through this field

Is this an attempted move to close this foot path so that planning permission can yet again be sort to build on this field Can we now expect swift action from our new Councillors    Oliver Herrin

Somebody also writes to report: I was upset walking my dog today that the path over the top up past Owen Mumford opposite the entrance to Elmsfield has been fenced with stiles and a padlocked gate - my dog doesn't do stiles.

Councillor John Grantham was onto the case immediately when he read this article on Tuesday. He went to inspect both stiles for himself and then talked to the Footpath Officer. The stiles are perfectly legal. However, they aren't very user-friendly - particularly to older people. It would be much better of landowners could be persuaded to put up swinging gates. Perhaps we need to try some Osmond-type diplomacy! The "Bull in Field" notice is alright IF there is actually a bull in the field. When John was there the field was empty and this is not allowed. The notice should be removed at those times. The Footpath Officer is following up. From his years of experience of walking local footpaths John reckons that bulls are not a problem - provided you don't go into the field wearing red and waving your arms about. Many people (including your Editor) will not be easily convinced.