'Village identity' concerns see housing plan refused

Councillors expressed concerns that the development could result in Milcombe growing and merging with neighbouring Bloxham

A plan to build dozens of new houses has been refused after concerns it would result in a village growing and “losing its identity”.

The proposals were for 90 houses by developer Neptune Land Promotion on a land south of Bloxham Road in Milcombe near Banbury, Oxfordshire.

At a planning meeting on Thursday, all attending Cherwell District councillors voted against the application, except for meeting chairman Barry Wood who abstained.

A spokesman for Milcombe Parish Council said the development could result in Milcombe merging with the neighbouring Bloxham village.

Planning application agent Aaron Twamley said consultees had "no technical objections" to the scheme

Labour councillor Rebecca Biegel suggested that the construction would “lead to a 25% increase” in the size of the village.

Reference was also made to a “lack of infrastructure” and existing “dependence” on areas outside Milcombe for doctors and dentists.

Planning application agent Aaron Twamley said there were "no technical objections" to the scheme from consultees.

“The application represents an opportunity for Cherwell District Council to make up its housing land supply shortfall which has been proven in numerous appeal decisions over the last six months," he said.

But a parish council spokesman expressed concerns that Milcombe "could lose its identity as a small independent village".

“Ninety houses plus shop and village hall provision will bring the village closer to Bloxham and could eventually lead to both villages merging like Banbury and Bodicote," the spokesman said.