THAME is likely to get 850 new homes by 2026, if the recently published Draft Core Strategy for the district becomes policy.
The document is the culmination of studies and consultations carried out by South Oxfordshire District Council and lays out the preferred options for the distribution of 10,000 new homes throughout the district within the next ten years, a need brought about by a growing popuation, changes in the aging population and the break up of families who will need more, smaller homes.
Having looked at many sites suggested in and around Thame by both developers, land-owners and the public, the district council’s prefered site for Thame’s allocation is to the South of the town.
The Strategy recognises that the three market towns (Henley, Thame and Wallingford) are all significant service and employment centres as well as attractive towns and sets out plans to strengthen them and help improving the retail and service offer by focusing some new development within those towns to support and enhance their role. It is proposed that 8.5 hectares in the three towns be identified for employment development.
“We need to work with other stakeholders to retain and improve leisure, tourism, cultural and educational facilities in these towns,” states the report.
SODC’s Cabinet has approved the strategy, apart from a proposed site north of Watlington, which will now go forward for further consultation around the district.
The full strategy can be read on South Oxfordshire District Council’s website at: LINK
Picture: for illustrative purposes only; affordable housing courtesy of Rutland.gov.uk
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