Council accuses Developer of putting profit before what’s best for Thame

THAME Town Council is asking residents to make their voices heard against a planning proposal that it fears will turn Thame into ‘yet another dormitory/commuter town with no heart’.

Developers, Angle Property, have already received planning permission to transform the main ex DAF buildings into 42 apartments using the Government’s Permitted Development Rights legislation, despite the Town Council opposing the plans and pointing out that such rights didn’t apply. The Planning Authority, South Oxfordshire District Council, went ahead and gave permission anyway.

Now, Angle Property wants to build a Care Home on what is currently the employment parking area on the site, and is carrying out a survey seeking community approval for the plan, which the town council is against.

Against the Neighbourhood Plan

In its latest Newsletter, Thame Town Council states: “Again the Town Council vehemently oppose this, as it would restrict employment land further, and is potentially another tool to establish residential use of the entire site. It is clearly in contravention to the adopted Thame Neighbourhood Plan and the district Local Plan. If additional care home facilities are required in Thame (which is not yet proven), then it is up to the community of Thame to decide the best site, via a revised, community led Neighbourhood Plan. Government guidance supports us in this.”

Developers, don’t tell Thame what it needs !

The statement continues: “We do not want developers telling us what Thame needs, with the ultimate aim of maximising their investment to the detriment of Thame. The last thing Thame needs is more employment land being converted to residential, or Thame will become yet another dormitory / commuter town with no heart – adding to an ever increasing list of such towns in England. Please complete your survey forms appropriately.”