Developer welcomes new Thame homes planning consent

FOLLOWING yesterday’s historic planning decision, a ‘first’ for Neighbourhood Planning, the developer of the proposed housing site has welcomed the decision and has vowed to work with the community on the detailed planning of Site D.

The outline proposal includes 175 homes, a community orchard, considerable public open space, including a children’s play area, and allotments on the majority of what is known as Site D: land West of Thame Park Road.

Jon Allen, Development Manager at Commercial Estates Group, said: “We are delighted that members of SODC’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of granting permission for this application. CEG has been working with the residents and representatives of Thame for over three years and the feedback received has genuinely had a big influence on the application which was submitted.

“CEG has been proud to support Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan from the outset – and throughout – and the decision at planning committee demonstrates that developers and communities can work very effectively together to deliver new homes which meet local aspirations.”

Site D is allocated in the Thame Town Plan for a total of 205 houses, of which CEG’s application included 175 homes. It was the first application on an allocated site to receive a resolution to grant planning consent, following the Thame Town Plan being supported by 76% of voters at a referendum in May and its subsequent adoption by SODC.

Jon Allen continued: “The application was in outline so we will now start to look at the site in further detail. Our aim is to continue the positive working relationship we have built up with the people of Thame and to deliver the high-quality development which local residents are looking for.”