‘Conditions to Site F plans proves the site’s imperfections’

Dear Editor, The approval for 203 dwellings on site F was a foregone conclusion and inevitable. It would however have been more democratic for the application for such a large site, to be agreed by the planning committee rather than the planning officers at SODC.

I believe this came as a surprise to some of the town councillors. Nevertheless looking at the broader picture, 203 is much more preferable than the 600 originally planned for this site five years-ago, and is in accord with the Thame Neighbourhood Plan. We are conscious that it is most likely that another 78 will be built there as it seems Lord Williams’s School will not be in a position to unite the two schools in the allotted time period.

The fact that SODC has applied no less than 30 conditions shows the imperfections of the site. Residents’ concerns have largely been dismissed with regard to the location of the allotments and the access into, and moreover, out of the site. It also remains to be seen whether the SUDS proposals will eliminate the flood risks. Our major concern has always been over the sewerage. This is covered by the Grampian style condition whereby Bloor Homes have to make payment to Thames Water to upgrade the inadequate sewerage drainage.

However, we believe this will need careful monitoring and it is of course likely to lead to major traffic delays on the Oxford Road whilst the upgrade takes place.
Barry Yates
Chair- Oxford Road Residents Association, Thame