Persimmon Homes initially proposed developments south of the former Grove Airfield, close to the railway, in 2020. The plan outlines the construction of up to 624 new homes.
The developer is also planning a new community on the airfield itself, which is set to include educational facilities like a primary school, a secondary school, and a local center.
Recent amendments were submitted in response to public feedback. A CGI imagines the Grove housing masterplan, indicating enhancements such as a new bridleway intended to redirect pedestrian traffic away from the level crossing on the railway line.
The planning statement expressed: “Numerous comments and issues were raised during the consultation period, which this amendment pack aims to resolve. Network Rail indicated concern over the potential increased use of the Grove level crossing to the northeast of the site. As illustrated on the parameter plans, a new bridleway is proposed along the south-eastern border, providing an appealing pathway through the site, hoped to divert walkers and pet owners from using the level crossing.”
The newly revised plan no longer includes a primary school, with housing proposed instead.
Residents have been voicing their concerns to the Vale of White Horse District Council. A resident of Stanford in the Vale, Bryan Moore, expressed: “I am concerned that the new northern bridleway route now plans to go via a residential street. Despite the fact there are only approximately seven houses, the bridleway would be shared with cars, delivery trucks, and refuse vehicles. I do not believe this change is in the best interest of vulnerable road users’ safety.”
Churchward Close resident Malcolm Martin commented: “The location of the proposed pump track next to the cemetery extension seems inappropriate and indicates a lack of considerate design and planning. Positioning such a facility, with its potential for competitive sport and elevated noise levels, in this area is insensitive.”
The planning statement added: “The development would be an appealing place to reside and work, integrated sympathetically into the new north-western boundary of Grove. Enveloped within a generous and attractive network of landscaped open spaces, the design maintains the existing green infrastructure wherever possible, and expands upon this with a series of interconnected green spaces and pathways infused with strong health and wellbeing principles.”
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