Homes approved despite green space concerns

Hundreds of new homes have been approved for a city suburb, near the site of a proposed new football stadium.

The Kidlington development in Oxford was given the green light by councillors at a Cherwell District Council planning meeting, despite concerns it would “destroy the green gap forever”.

It means 800 homes will be built on land near Oxford Road, east of Pipal Cottage.

Kidlington councillor Ian Middleton previously raised concerns there may be “no green space left” as development continues in land separating Kidlington from Oxford.

The approval for the new homes comes as Oxford United hopes to build a 16,000-capacity stadium at a site called The Triangle, next to Oxford Road.

The application for 800 homes was put forward by Bellway Homes and Christ Church, Oxford.

Objector Felicity Staveley-Taylor, who lives “very nearby though outside the Cherwell area”, said: “The green gap will be destroyed forever.

“If the Oxford United Stadium building goes ahead on the Triangle, there will be very significant traffic, parking and noise issues for residents of this development.”

The 45.8-hectare development site has already been allocated for residential development under the local plan, which the planning officer described at Thursday’s meeting as “specifically to meet Oxford’s unmet housing need”.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Middleton said: “I’m slightly concerned by the frequent reference to it being an allocated site.

“That doesn’t mean we can ignore concerns.”

A spokesperson for the application told the meeting: “Our proposals have been rigorously consulted on.

“There is, in the Cherwell district and elsewhere, an urgent need for more housing."

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