Campaigners vow to fight science park plans

Campaigners have raised concerns about the loss of the golf course

A campaign is under way to prevent a science and innovation park being built on a golf course and greenbelt land.

The development could be constructed on part of Waterstock Golf Course, near to the Oxford Services on the M40. It was rejected by South Oxfordshire District Council last year, though the developer is appealing the decision.

Campaigners have raised concerns about the environmental harm and noise, and the loss of the golf course.

Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership says there is a need for new laboratory space in the county.

The planning application was for up to 120,000 sq m (393,701 sq ft) of land, including research and development units, light industrial units, offices, a school, and a multi-storey car park.

The land near Waterstock is part of a Conservation Target Area

The council refused it as it would "introduce a large-scale science and innovation park into a rural area which is not allocated for development and is outside of any of the district's settlements".

It said the golf course "contributes to the health and well-being of visitors and residents" and the plans would "result in the loss of land used for sports and recreation".

The authority said the proposal represented "inappropriate development in the Green Belt", "would be incompatible with the local landscape and open character of the area", and "result in the loss, deterioration and harm" to protected species in a Conservation Target Area.

It also cited issues relating to travel infrastructure.

A planning inquiry will take place later in the year, but the council told the BBC it would be "presenting a strong case to defend its decision" and would "urge the inspector to dismiss it".

Henry Manisty said the uncertainty had placed a "great strain on the local community"

Henry Manisty, who lives next door to the proposed site, said the idea of a new development there was "deeply dispiriting".

He added: "We hope the appeal will be unsuccessful and we’re confident it will be, but it’s a great strain on the local community, and a great period of uncertainty for us."

Pauline Swann, a regular golfer at the site, said she was "very worried".

She called the course "lovely and flat, so it's good for the older person to get their exercise". She was also concerned for "all the wildlife and the plants" there.

The planning agent for Greystoke CB Limited, the investment company which is behind the plans, has not responded to requests for a comment.