Latest news with #WestOxfordshire
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Developer to propose nearly 400 homes for farmland
A planning application for almost 400 homes on west Oxfordshire farmland is being prepared by a developer. The three fields earmarked for development are near Chipping Norton, just to the east of the market town. It is situated between the London Road (A44), Banbury Road and the A3400, with the Chipping Norton Cricket Club ground set to be a neighbour. READ MORE: Rainier Developments has submitted a scoping report to West Oxfordshire District Council in advance of the potentially 350-home planning application. Also neighbouring the site is another development, of around 90 homes and infrastructure that was approved by the council in 2023. Chipping Norton and District Cricket Club will be a neighbour In its scope report, Rainier Developments plans to commence building in 2026, with the first occupation in 2027 and full completion over a five-year period. Experience the pulse of Oxford at your fingertips 🗞️ With our flash sale, Oxford Mail keeps you updated for less: only £4 for 4 months or save 40 per cent on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalismhttps:// — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) June 16, 2025 The developer has asked independent advisors Turley to lead the Environmental Impact Assessment. READ MORE: For those wanting to comment, the application can be found on the West Oxfordshire District Council website under reference 25/01464/SCOPE. The three dark brown fields are those earmarked for this development (Image: Google) This comes after plans to build more than 100 homes outside Chipping Norton were approved in April. After over 100 objections, developer Gleeson Land's scheme was approved for up to 104 properties on land east of Burford Road and south of Charlbury Road. Among the objections were that it would increase traffic to the town, add strain to road and sewage systems in the area, and it would lead to the loss of good agricultural land.
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Conservationists slam 'out of proportion' plans for US billionaire Soho House owner's six-bedroom Cotswolds mansion
Conservationists have labelled plans by Soho House's US billionaire owner to build a six-bedroom Cotswolds mansion as 'out of proportion'. Locals in Little Tew have been battling against Ron Burkle's bid to build a lavish six-bedroom country pile on farmland in the quaint Cotswolds idyll, and have now been joined in their objections by the conservation group. Mr Burkle, who owns celebrity hotspot Soho House and Michael Jackson 's former Neverland ranch, has rubbed shoulders with Elton John and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. He hopes to construct a six-bedroom house which would have a gun room, lift, entertainment room and wine store, several reception rooms, a butler's pantry and a domed entrance hall said to be inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The sprawling manor house would also feature a natural swimming pool, bather's pavilion in the 'pleasure ground' area, stable block and estate manager's cottage plus a circular lawn that may be a helipad. But villagers have drawn battle lines against it and have been struggling for the best part of three years to have the scheme thrown out by West Oxfordshire District Council. Originally rejected in 2022, a renewed bid has since been lodged which has seen a total of 42 objections and 33 supporting comments submitted. Now, the Little Tew Conservation Group has voiced their concerns over the plans which they believe to be 'out of proportion'. They said: 'The impact of the proposed development upon the setting of the Little Tew Conservation Area would be harmful. 'This has been discussed and set out in previous submissions made by the Conservation Group and planning and conservation officers. 'As for public benefits, these are of little weight and not as claimed in the summary of benefits submitted. 'They do not produce overall environmental benefits but there are harmful impacts including on ecology, hydrology, landscape, heritage, archaeology and enjoyment of the footpaths in the countryside.' The group said all these concerns 'substantially outweigh any public benefits', adding: 'It is not accepted to be an outstanding piece of architecture and landscape design but completely out of place in the proposed location.' Plans for the house also include details of gardens, a stables courtyard, solar panels, a new lake and tree nursery. Worlledge Associates, on behalf of the applicant, said: 'The use of classical architectural forms is appropriate. The scale of the house and its designed landscape is appropriate and fits historic precedents. 'The proposed location of a house of this size is consistent with historic precedents. Understanding and experience of the agricultural context of Little Tew (and Great Tew) will remain. 'The proposed development would not result in harm to the setting of Little Tew. The character and use of the site as farmland will change, but intellectually and in a sensory way this will add to people's experience.' However, one neighbour vehemently against the proposals labelled them a 'monstrous carbuncle'. They said: 'Rather than being a development of 'truly outstanding quality', I believe it to be a proposal of truly outstanding grotesquerie. 'It would be a travesty for light and sound pollution to be increased by such a massive intrusion on the outskirts of our village. 'Please reject what would clearly be an inappropriate, non-isolated, habitat-threatening, polluting, un-enhancing and insensitive "monstrous carbuncle".' Mr Burkle is a Californian investor behind a string of deals involving US supermarkets. He bought a majority stake in Soho House - which includes Soho Farmhouse - in 2012 and serves as executive chairman. The ultra-rich American also owns Michael Jackson's infamous Neverland ranch, which he purchased in December 2020 for around £16million. He is behind plans for the Mullin Automotive Museum in nearby Enstone approved last year despite almost 200 objection letters sent to the council. The planning committee rejected earlier designs for the house in 2022 for failing to represent a 'truly outstanding development' and not meeting specific planning criteria. In a recent interview the 72-year-old mogul said he would be a good neighbour wherever he ends up living and support local charities and community organisations. He also said he is still in the process of buying the land and the current owner had drawn up the plans before he got involved. Mr Burkle added that he would only proceed to buy it if he gets planning approval.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
West Oxfordshire council defends four litter fines in decade
Only four fines have been issued for littering by West Oxfordshire District Council in the past decade, figures obtained by the BBC have revealed.A Freedom of Information request showed a total of 401 fixed penalty notices for the offence have been handed out by councils across Oxfordshire since City Council gave the most at Oxfordshire District Council said it took environmental offences "seriously" but argued fines can only be given when people are seen littering, which can "limit enforcement opportunities". Liam Walker, a Conservative councillor on the council, said the low level of fines was "astonishing" but he was also shocked at the level of littering."It's not just about enforcement from the council... and government and police, it's all also about education - teaching people not to be throwing litter in this day and age," he were given powers to issue larger fines of up to £500 for littering in Adams is part of the group Thame Wombles and does a litter pick most days, collecting as much as eight bags of rubbish at a time. "To make an example of a few people, it just might stop others doing it," she said."[Littering is] just pure laziness from people." The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) warned that littering has a serious impact on Polonara, community wildlife officer, said small mammals like hedgehogs were at said: "There's a huge issue where they get stuck in a lot of different litter, especially when they're looking for food, they can't free themselves and then they die."When asked about the level of fines handed out, West Oxfordshire District Council said it did recognise the importance of keeping public spaces clean.A spokesperson said: "Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for littering can only be issued when individuals are directly observed committing an offence, which can limit enforcement opportunities. "In many cases, litter found in public areas does not include identifying information, making it difficult to take formal action." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Clarkson's Farm review — it's still fun at Diddly Squat, but something's missing
It would, being Jeremy Clarkson, only be a matter of time before Clarkson's Farm plunged its Hunter wellies down into the muck of controversy. Clarkson's Farm-based scandals have until now been minor. He is, for example, loathed by West Oxfordshire district council for having had the temerity to open a shop there that people actually visit. In series four, which is out this week on Prime Video, he risks angering them further by forcing upon them yet another wildly successful business — this time, a gastropub. But Clarkson's biggest farm-related controversy has been happening off screen and this time, to a certain extent, it's not his fault. It may not have escaped your attention that in between series three and four of Clarkson's Farm
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Three injured as car smashes through Costa Coffee window with air ambulance deployed
THREE people have been hurt after a vehicle crashed through the window of a Costa. The horror incident happened in Carterton, West Oxfordshire. Police are urging people to avoid the area and the road has been closed. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "We are currently responding to an incident in Carterton. "A vehicle has been driven into Costa Coffee in Burford Road, injuring three people." The force urged the public not to share footage of the scene "out of respect for those who have been injured". Instead, those with video should contact police by calling 101 or online, quoting the reference number INC-20250507-1109. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
