The plan, proposed by McCarthy and Stone Retirement, involved the construction of 44 flats on land at Crab Hill, located north of the A417 and east of the A338. This development, part of the broader Crab Hill scheme involving 1,500 homes, was to include communal facilities and car parking.
However, the plan faced rejection by the Vale of White Horse District Council planning officers due to the developer’s lack of financial contributions. The proposal sparked controversy, evident from the 24 letters of objection, notably including opposition from Wantage Town Council.
Community members expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting that the land was intended for a new pub. An appeal hearing was conducted earlier this year, allowing the council and developers to present their arguments to a planning inspector.
Representing the developer, Robert Walton KC suggested at the closing of the hearing that the council’s stance was fundamentally linked to financial contributions: “The council’s resolved position suggests that if the appellant agreed to a payment of £1,180,154 for off-site affordable housing, in addition to £96,573.30 for other obligations, the plan would be acceptable.” Consequently, the developers requested the Inspector to approve the appeal and grant planning permission.
Conversely, Emmaline Lambert, representing the district council, pointed out, “The viability assessment lacks credibility due to transparency issues, and this cannot justify a reduced sum. The planning system and public interest should not compromise because developers fail to adhere to professional guidance, the PPG, and Development Plan policy.”
Wantage Town Council reiterated their opposition during the hearing, stating: “The site was designated for a public house in the masterplan for Crab Hill to serve as a crucial community facility. Ignoring the viability of a pub overlooks the masterplan’s strategic intent to foster a balanced, inclusive community. Upholding the appeal would permanently prevent the site from fulfilling its intended purpose.”
The inspector is anticipated to deliver a decision on the appeal in the upcoming months.
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