Keep Hanwell Village Rural Action Group has announced that it will be holding three public engagement events this month to ensure local residents fully understand how the village will become a part of Banbury, losing prime grade 2 and 3a agricultural land forever.
This follows recent news that Vistry Group has submitted an outline planning application to Cherwell District Council to build 170 houses on land adjoining the historic village of Hanwell.
The public meetings will also feature discussions on the proposed large industrial solar development north of Hanwell, between Shotteswell and Horley, with the same landowner, who is selling land to Vistry, wanting to sell off more grade 2 agricultural land where tenant farmers currently farm according to the Action Group.
Chris Brant, Chair of the resident’s Action Group, said: “This planning application from Vistry to build 170 homes in the parishes of Hanwell and Drayton would be the end for Hanwell as a rural village. Vistry’s proposal clearly shows how the village would join Banbury, losing further prime agricultural land in the process.
“As a residents action group, we plan to meet with our local Parish Council to discuss the application, and we welcome support from neighbouring communities, including residents living in Banbury’s Hanwell Chase who also want to protect their countryside between town and village”.
The Keep Hanwell Village Rural resident meetings are as follows:
- Tuesday, 18 April, at Hanwell Village Hall from 7.30pm to 9.00pm,
- Wednesday, 19 April, at Old School, Horley, from 7.45pm to 9.15pm
- Thursday, 27 April, at Shotteswell Village Hall from 7.30pm to 9.00pm
The proposals from Vistry Group include up to 170 new homes, 51 of which will be designated mixed-tenure affordable housing, and it will incorporate wildlife areas and areas of public space, including a neighbourhood green and children’s play area.
Read more: Vistry Group submits planning application for new homes in Banbury
Vistry’s planning application is available to view on the Cherwell District Council planning application website.
