Small changes to housing plans for 99 homes as part of an 800-home estate have been granted approval by local authorities. Bloor Homes previously received outline permission to construct up to 700 homes, along with facilities such as a primary school and local retail center at Brize Meadow on Monahan Way, Brize Norton, back in 2014. The developer successfully secured additional permission for 99 homes, including 35 affordable units, which was finalized last December. This recent planning decision to modify the brickwork facing and details of the homes marks the conclusion of this development phase.
The project aims to provide future amenities including the proposed primary school, community allotments, and retail options, featuring both a Co-Op shop and Greggs Drive-Thru. The site lies adjacent to Kilkenny Country Park and is strategically surrounded by existing residential developments and RAF buildings to its east. Bloor Homes emphasized its commitment to efficient land use, stating, "We have made efficient use of land in the delivery of the houses." This expansion addresses growing housing demands and contributes to the local economy.
Meanwhile, another ambitious planning application is making waves as Hallam Land Management seeks permission to build nearly 370 new houses adjacent to the A40. The development proposal, located at Peashell Farm off Downs Road, Curbridge, stretches across 58 acres of agricultural land. The plans detail not only housing but also the addition of local retail stores and extensive green spaces, including parks equipped with playgrounds and allotments beneficial for the community. The objective is to create "robust and enduring landscaping" to separate the new development from the village of Minster Lovell, as highlighted by planning documents.
Existing farm structures on the designated site would be demolished to make way for this new venture. Access to the housing project is planned via the existing roundabout junction on Downs Road, which will be widened to uphold bus passage, as well as to facilitate new pedestrian, cycling, and bridleway connections. An innovative mobility hub is also proposed within the internal road network, potentially offering e-scooter and e-bike docks along with car clubs and delivery lockers.
The site is not currently included within the West Oxfordshire District Council's existing local plan. Nevertheless, the council is actively preparing for new plans extending to 2041, allowing for flexibility and growth within the community. Witney has already undergone significant expansions, including developments at Windrush Place and Colwell Green – both of which benefitted from recent improvements to local infrastructure and community resources.
The planning application for the new Curbridge homes has garnered attention during the public consultation phase conducted by Hallam Land Management earlier this September, including hosting a virtual exhibition to engage with local stakeholders. The proposal's planning reference is 25/00144/OUT, which can be found on the West Oxfordshire District Council planning portal.
Such developments signal not only growth but also strategic planning efforts aimed at accommodating population growth, balancing housing needs against community utilities and green space conservation. With both Bloor Homes and Hallam Land Management moving forward with their respective projects, local residents can expect significant transformations on both sides of Witney and Brize Norton, nurturing communities and enhancing local economies.