So they are back. Like a bad smell.
Sadly, but inevitably, Grainger PLC has decided to appeal the unanimous rejection of their application by SODC’s Planning Committee.
So here’s what we know about the Appeal process.
BRING IT ON!
Grainger is appealing against SODC’s decision to refuse its application. The Appeal will be heard by an inspector from the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Some of you will have received notice today from SODC. It mentions how ‘all comments from third parties made during the the application process’ will be passed onto the inspector. With over 600 documents to consider he or she will have plenty of bed time reading to do!
It mentions too that further comments can be made directly to the Inspectorate. There is a tight deadline for this – 2nd September. So over the next few days we will post up some guidance for those of you that wish to comment (not that many of you will need it – you’re all expert by now!).
We’ll also fill you in on how the appeal process works, what timescale we can expect and how most effectively the community can be involved. Please bear with us.
In the meantime please take a look at this general advice and information. Its taken from the Inspectorate website.
Should we be fearful? Not at all. We’ve beaten Grainger once and we can do it again. Bring it on!
MAKING SENSE OF 2032
Some residents have received an email from SODC inviting them to participate in a consultation for its revised Local Plan. All residents may wish to involve themselves in this process. You do not need to have been invited to take part.
The Local Plan ’2032’ will be a very influential document for years to come. It will impact on any future planning applications in the Green Gap and surrounding areas.
Reading and commenting on the ‘preferred options’ document is a sizeable task. So we have created a guide for residents to help you understand what it’s all about. If you have any questions please do get in touch.
IN BLACK AND WHITE (AND GREEN)
SODC has just issued the refusal notice. So now we all wait to see whether the Developer respects the unanimously expressed will of the very people they claimed their scheme would serve. Or whether they enrich the legal profession by going to Appeal. They have, we understand, six months to make that decision.
UNANIMOUS GOOD NEWS
The Green Gap cause is much more than a ‘local’ issue.
The loss of a strategic space between Town and Village would have lasting impact on the social, environmental and economic future of the broader area. And it would curtail the Council’s plans for a vibrant future for the District.
So it’s little wonder then that the Green Gap has been in the news this past week. The issues are big news. The momentous unanimous decision by SODC’s Planning Committee to throw out Grainger’s plans is big news. The community’s delight is big news too.
The Howard Bentham Show
BBC Radio Oxford – 17th May 2016
News report by Charlotte Stacey
BBC Oxford TV News – 18th May 2016
‘Hundreds of residents applauded South Oxfordshire District Council’s unanimous refusal of 170 homes in East Hagbourne’
Didcot Herald – 18th May 2016
‘Residents of Didcot and East Hagbourne cheer planning decision.’
Oxfordshire Guardian – 19th May 2016
YOU SAVED THE GREEN GAP
SODC’s Planning Committee voted unanimously last night to refuse Grainger’s application. The committee was persuaded by articulate well reasoned argument from the Campaign, East Hagbourne Parish Council, Didcot Town Council and Cholsey Ward Councillor Jane Murphy.
The committee was persuaded too by a show of unity in opposition that was outstanding. Over 170 residents from Town and Village attended the meeting. They made their presence and passion know. Their voices were heard.
Well done to all. And congratulations.
You Saved the Green Gap.
THIS IS NOT JUST ANOTHER DAY. IT’S …
AN OUTSTANDING BEAUTY
This is a long post. However, we make no apologies. It is a beauty. It is also outstanding.
The Officer’s report makes reference to it, but only quotes from it in a highly selective manner.
We think it deserved to admired, enjoyed and respected in its entirety. Just like the Green Gap itself.
From Rebecca Davies
Planning Advisor
North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
“Having viewed the plans, the AONB would object to the proposed development. Although not within the AONB the development sits within the landscape which forms part of the setting of the AONB. The gently rolling fields to the East of Didcot provide an open character, one which is relatively untouched by development. The site forms a platform for long distance views into the AONB which is a ppositive characteristic.