SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet has agreed a timetable for progressing its Local Plan which will be submitted for public examination in March 2019.
The Local Plan will identify where housing, retail and employment land should go as well as the infrastructure required to support this growth, such as new roads, schools, health services and sewerage. The proposed policies in the plan will be used to help make decisions on planning applications in the district.
The council intends to reassess each of the main housing sites currently proposed in the Plan, along with previously-considered locations that were dismissed but were ‘reasonable alternatives’ and some additional sites (None of these sites are in Thame, though there is provision for additional housing on ‘infill’ and ‘redevelopment’ sites see below).
‘The Strategy for Thame’
Quote: “We will support development proposals which:
Are in accordance with the Thame Neighbourhood DevelopmentPlan (currently being reviewed and amended)
Maintain the quality of placeiii)
Strengthen commerce in the town centre and identify sites suitable for future retail, leisure and community uses
Support housing and employment uses above shops
Improve the attraction of Thame for visitors and businesses
Improve accessibility, car parking, pedestrian and cycle links
Support schemes which enhance the quality of the town’senvironment
Support schemes which improve the stock of existing commercial buildings and the environment of the employment areas
Allow housing on suitable infill and redevelopment sites
Support the schools, health and other service providers meet theiraccommodation needs, in particular the amalgamation of thesecondary school onto a single site
Provide for an appropriate housing mix which responds to the needs of the housing market
The timetable states that councillors will make a decision in December on which of the 15 available major housing sites will be included in the plan, following completion of the necessary assessment and filtering work.
The final plan, outlining how the district should develop until 2033, will then be published and residents will have a chance to comment on its technical ‘soundness’ early next year. It will then be submitted for public examination by an independent planning inspector later in 2019.
POLICE ALERT – THERE has been an increase in thefts and attempted thefts from vans in the Watlington and Chinnor areas over the last two days.
Image courtsey of vanvault.co.uk (for illustrative purposes only)
Between 12.30am on 02/08 and 7am on 02/08 the front driver’s side quarter light window of a Citroen Berlingo was smashed. Several power tools were stolen from the vehicle, which was parked on Oak End Way, Chinnor.
Between 11.30pm on 01/08 and 7.30am on 02/08 a Peugeot Bipper van was broken into whilst it was parked in Ash Close, Watlington. Offender(s) made a hole in the lock of the rear doors to gain entry before stealing a bottle of perfume.
Between 6.30pm on 01/08 and 7am on 02/08 the front driver’s side quarter light window of a Renault Trafic van was smashed. No entry was gained to the vehicle, which was parked in Oakley Road, Chinnor.
Between 12.15am on 01/08 and 12.30am on 02/08 the lock on the rear doors of a vehicle were drilled, whilst it was parked on Brookside, Watlington. Nothing was stolen.
Please consider the following when leaving your vehicle:
• Remove everything from your vehicle including removable stereos and sat-navs. Remove tools if you are able to do so. Do not leave anything in the glove
compartment or on display.
• Close all windows and the sunroof, if you have one.
• Lock your vehicle and use your alarms if you have them.
• If you do see any persons or vehicles acting suspicious in the area then call 101 (non-emergency) and 999 in an emergency.
If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.
Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online . No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
AFTER months of pothole misery for locals and visitors to Thame, Oxfordshire County Council is to start resurfacing work in Park Street, on Monday, August 6.
The works will include footway resurfacing, replacing damaged kerbs and ironwork, cleaning the existing drainage system, resurfacing of the existing carriageway and the replacement of road markings. The work is expected to last for six days, subject to any bad weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances arising during construction. The work will be carried out in the following phases:
Phase 1 – Monday 6 August to Friday 10 August, 7am to 4pm – full road closure to enable the southern footway to be resurfaced, kerb repairs and footway drainage to be carried out.
Phase 2 – Monday 13 August, 7am to 7pm – full road closure to enable the carriageway resurfacing work to be carried out and replacement road markings.
A signed diversion route will be put in place during the above closures. Park Street will be fully reopened to traffic outside of these periods. There will be no access for buses for the duration of Phase 1 and 2.
Alternative parking arrangements for residents
During phase 2, Park Street will need to be clear of all vehicles to enable the resurfacing work to be carried out. If you usually park your vehicle on Park Street, arrangements have been made with John Hampden County Primary School to use their car park during this period. The car park will be available from 2pm on Sunday 12 August to 9am on Tuesday 14 August. Please ensure all vehicles are moved prior to 7am on 13 August to enable works to start promptly.
Staff will be positioned at either end of the closure to direct traffic and pedestrians to ensure the safety of the public and workforce. Every effort will be made to accommodate vehicular access to properties and business within and adjacent to the works but this may be subject to some delay depending on the activities being carried out on site.
UPDATE –
ARRIVA The Shires have advised that they will not be serving the East Street – Wenman Road loop (280 / X8 buses) for the duration of the above works in Park Street (6/8 to 13/8). Buses will wait their time at the Town Hall or Co-op.
The X8 route goes up East Street stopping at Orchard Close and Churchill Crescent, then via Howland Road, Wenman Road, Thame Park Road & back down Park Street. The 40 goes up East Street (inc Health Centre), Kings Road, Queens Road and out to Towersey (same route on return).
FOLLOWING the recent extension of the280/X8 bus routes around Thame, Oxfordshire County Council have installed four new permanent bus stops along the route.
The bus stop in the image used for illustrative purposes only, is in fact only for the 40 bus
The new stops are at Churchill Crescent, Orchard Close and the Health Centre in East Street. The old bus stop sign that was outside the Community Hospital was removed last week and taken to Thame Museum. Its replacement is next to the bench that was already in situ outside the Health Centre.
FOR CLARIFICATION:
The X8 route goes up East Street stopping at Orchard Close and Churchill Crescent, then via Howland Road, Wenman Road, Thame Park Road & back down Park Street. The 40 goes up East Street (inc Health Centre), Kings Road, Queens Road and out to Towersey (same route on return).
PLEASE NOTE:
ARRIVA The Shires have advised that they will not be serving the East Street – Wenman Road loop (280 / X8 buses) for the duration of the Highways works in Park Street (6/8 to 13/8). Buses will wait their time at the Town Hall or Co-op.
A dentist and a dental nurse from Thame, are off to Malawi, Africa, to treat the teeth of the poor in rural, northern villages.
Samantha Miller and Zak Khatana
Zak Khatana, who works at Thame House Dental Practice in the town, explained: “Dental care is something we take for granted in the UK. However in places like Malawi there is minimal access. There is a desperate need for dental care in Malawi. The country has fewer than 40 registered dentists for a population of 19 million people and access to dental services is particularly difficult for people living in remote rural communities, with people dying from preventable dental infections causing sepsis.
“In Easter 2019, myself and Samantha Miller will be part of a small team of volunteers who will set up and install a temporary dental clinic in the village of Bulala, plus we’ll be working with other surrounding villages. Many of the patients will require emergency care and extractions but we will also run oral health programmes.
“People arrive through the night and walk several hours to seek out dental treatment. Demand is huge and up to 100 people will be waiting for treatment at the start of each day. We will prioritise children and those suffering from infections and immediate pain.
“We are aiming to see a minimum of 1000 people during our stay and so we are asking for your help. Dental supplies are expensive and so we are fundraising to help us provide as much care as possible to those in need. All donations will be used entirely for this project, however big or small the amount.
“We were hoping that you would be able to help us gain exposure for our cause. We are looking to raise at least £4500.”
THAME Town Cricket Club’s 1st XI snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a nail-biting clash with top-of-the-table Slough last Saturday. A disciplined bowling display kept Slough under pressure, but a superb 106*from Conrad Louth propelled them to 271-4 declared off 62 overs. Will Sutcliffe got the chase off to a flier with a fluent 38. Enter Thame’s overseas player, Gami Kanishka, who took the fight to Slough on a turning wicket. Supported by skipper Mike Beard (61), Kanishka raced through to a fine hundred to put Thame within touching distance. When both fell at the end of a 150-run partnership, only 40 more were required but with four-an-over needed, it came down to 5 off the last over, with 2 wickets left. Callum Russell was bowled third ball and with 2 required from the final two balls, brother Andy was run out to seal defeat by just 1 run.
Gami Kanishka
Rest of the match reports from Saturday, July 28
Second XI defeat Charlbury Firsts
THE second XI, with one of their youngest sides of the season, welcomed Charlbury to Church Meadow. Tight bowling from Liam Evans and James McStay put early pressure on Charlbury’s batsmen, allowing spin-twins Dan Patey (4-63) and Ali Thomas (5-47) to rip through Charlbury’s batting, leaving them all out on 161. In reply, Thame fell to 44-3, but classy innings from the young pair of Harry Thomas (50*) and Christian Warwick (61) helped them past Charlbury’s total within 32 overs. The 2nds travel to East Oxford on Saturday for a top-of-the-table clash.
Thirds beat the rain to record fifth win on the trot
THE thirds travelled to Oxford on Saturday where Will Bruce-Morgan (2-19) and Luke Hayes caused immediate problems for Oxford fourths. However, several missed chances allowed Carey to reach 55 and it was left to Ian McStay (4-40), Vim Desai (3-30) and John Phippen (1-21) to bowl out Oxford for 152. After tea, Joe Phippen (25) and Andy Jinman (38) laid Thame’s foundations, putting on 60. Two breaks for rain then turned it into a run-chase, with Paddy Harris (23) and Pete Higson (19) bringing Thame home, by three wickets. They host Kimble seconds on Saturday.
Fourths battle wind and rain to defeat Bicester and North Oxford thirds
THAME fourths hosted Bicester & North Oxford thirds and had immediate success, with Danny Thompson (1-25) and Ed Mather (2-20) combining well. Neil Smith (3-6) and Mark Fellowes (3-15) then reduced Bicester to 91 all out. In reply, Thame started well with Tim Dabbs (40) and Tim Airstone and, despite a flurry of wickets, Smith (20*) steadied the ship as Thame won by four wickets. They next travel to promotion-chasing Cropredy thirds.
Women lose friendly against touring side
THAME’S Women hosted a side from Mistley, Colchester, on Saturday. Fielding first they got off to a tremendous start through White (3-45) and Clarke (3-26) but Mistley reached 203, thanks to captain Cornelius (106*). In reply, Thame managed 163 through White (39*), Morris (28) and John (29).
There will be a cricket softball festival at the Thame cricket ground on August 12, for Girls and Women of all ages (no experience needed). It’s free to sign up and will be a great, fun introduction to cricket. Sign-up details at www.thamecricket.org.uk
TO celebrate Cycle to Work Day 2018 on Wednesday, August 15, the Haddenham to Thame Cycleway group (CycleHAT) is organizing a free buddy scheme to escort want-to-cycle commuters between Thame Town Hall and Haddenham & Thame Parkway train station during the morning commute.
Image courtesy of Active.com
The hope is that a number of commuters who usually drive to the station will be inspired to ditch the car and cycle instead on the day – enjoying some fresh air, exercise and saving the expense of a car parking ticket. As a reward for cycle commuters’ efforts, the Little Italy café at the Haddenham & Thame Parkway station is kindly providing a complimentary cup of coffee for those taking part.
On the day, a pool of experienced cyclists (buddies) will personally escort those who are not familiar with the commute by bicycle. Trips to the train station will leave at regular intervals between 7am and 9am. Cyclists wishing to reserve a space, are invited to visit http://bit.ly/cyclehat indicating your preferred departure time on the basis that ~30 minutes should be allowed for the trip. Riders only need to bring a roadworthy bicycle, a helmet, and a lock. Optionally, a set of lights and a waterproof may be prudent depending on the weather and your expected time of return.
The event is being organised in order to promote awareness for the need for an improved cycle-friendly route between Thame and Haddenham, with the aim to realise a safer means of cycling for the benefits of local commuters, families, and children.
A young Thame man, inspired by a school trip to the Gambia with Lord Williams’s School, and the Ultra athlete and author, Mark Beaumont (The Man Who Cycled The World), has set off on his own incredible endurance challenge, to cycle around the world too!
Alex Clark sets off from Thame, via Towersey, on July 22, on the first leg of his circumnavigation of the world on a bike – Photo courtesy of Nigel Pattinson
Alex Clark, 23, set off from Thame on July 22, to realise his dream, aiming to cycle 21,500 miles, and through sponsorship and donations, to give hundreds of children in both the UK and The Gambia an equal opportunity to realise their dreams.
Alex, who quit his job with a recruitment agency in London to take this trip, is aiming to raise £10,000 for two charities, The Thame-based Jack O’Donnell Foundation that supports children to achieve their full potential in the sport they love, and Sponsor A Gambian Child which provides funding for children in the Birkama area to attend school, through individual sponsorship.
Alex’s journey will be in stages, the first from Thame to Triest – a ride of 2,050 km. From then on the stages will be:
Stage 2: Trieste – Mumbai, 6,240 km
Stage 3: Mumbai – Perth, 10,295 km
Stage 4: Perth – Auckland, 6,404 km
Stage 5: San Diego – Lisbon, 7,575 km
Stage 6: Lisbon – Thame, 2,449 km
Sean Conway, another endurance athlete and adventurer, has also been key to Alex’s unfailing passion to realise his dream. In 2012 Sean was attempting to break the world record for solo and unsupported bicycle circumnavigation when he was hit by a pickup truck on his way to work. Despite this Sean managed to make it all the way around the world after several weeks recovering from serious injuries.
Alex’s previous sporting love has been football, and more recently triathlon, and it was the running and cycling element of the latter that Alex says made him realise that these skills were transferable in helping him to achieve his mammoth project.
If you would like to support Alex in raising funds for these two, extremely worthwhile causes, and help keep him motivated as he tackles the next thousands of kilometers of what will inevitably be a grueling test of character of fitness, visit his Prestige Worldwide page https://www.prestigeworldride.org/aboutthecyclist
SORRY to mention it in the middle of summer, but Thame Town Council is already planning for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event and wants to involve the community in deciding what attractions to book for Friday, November 30, this year.
Performance groups in Thame – singers, dancers, actors, and comedians – are all invited to perform at the event and to get in touch with the Town Council if they are interested, as space is limited.
Local traders and crafts people are encouraged to apply to have a stall at the event to sell their products, the food and gift market being a perfect way to start the Christmas shopping season and find unique presents, whilst supporting local independent crafters.
In order to make the event happen, the council relies on the generous support of local businesses for sponsorship. Businesses can choose to sponsor a specific aspect of the event, for example the Lantern Parade, or choose a package from the Sponsorship Opportunities leaflet available via the Town Council’s website. Sponsorship starts from £50 and is gratefully received.
All of the event favourites will be returning, including a Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine, live music and entertainment from local performers, the primary schools’ lantern parade, Christmas market, roaming characters, carol singing, and of course the big switch-on at 7pm.
Visit the Christmas in Thame Facebook page and comment with your suggestions on the pinned post, by July 31.
More information about the event can be found at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas. Email info@thametowncouncil.gov.uk if you would like to be involved in the event.
A group of residents in the village of Moreton, near Thame are very unhappy about the increasing amount and standard of development in their village, and have been meeting and writing to district councillors and their MP to voice their concerns.
Many villagers are unhappy about an application that has been submitted for seven homes at the Paddock by the entrance to village: See full application HERE
and a second proposal by Rectory Homes near the village pond.
One villager at least making their feeling clear about more housing in Moreton
Moreton resident, Tina Fegent, told Thame.Net: “In the last three years we have had eight new builds – four of which are Rectory Homes. This has increased the size of our hamlet by 15%. We don’t have the infrastructure to support increased volumes of people and traffic etc. We are conducting our own traffic survey this week to ascertain the volume of traffic that is already coming in and out of the village.
“We have a lot of walkers, runners, dog walkers, families with kids, Horse riders, etc walk the path from Thame to Moreton, to The Oxfordshire or Tetsworth,” she added. “Moreton is like a bit of a Park next to Thame and should be kept that way.”
Extra houses are ‘not sustainable’
Another Moreton Resident, Robin Storey, has written to SODC, who are currently at the consultation stage of a planning application by Lucy Developments for the seven homes. He challenges the application on the grounds of it not being ‘Sustainable Development’ and refutes a statement in the application that the development would be ‘infill’.
Mr Storey states that Moreton is expressly not earmarked for development under local planning rules: “The Proposals do not constitute sustainable development due to its location in a rural community without the necessary infrastructure to accommodate such development in a sustainable manner,” he said. “This lack of support for such development is demonstrated by the fact that there are no housing allocations in this vicinity, either in the emerging SODLP or the Thame Neighbourhood Plan (adopted or emerging).”
The developer’s submission claims that the station is close, and that this makes it sustainable, but Mr Storey notes that: “The station is four miles away and requires a car to access safely. There is no cycle path (despite 10 years of attempts to establish one) and the fast B road to Haddenham is dangerous.”
Mr Storey adds: “Moreton is unable to support new housing and the needs of the new population will be met only by unsustainable travel by car…….There is no school in the village or more school spaces in Thame, no pub/shop, etc, and there are other infrastructure limitations…There are poor public bus routes (one per week).
“The County Council has just withdrawn free school bus provision, which is currently being appealed by a number of families. The quality of the footpath to Thame is poor or totally unmade in places and the walking route to school is unsafe as it is isolated. It is likely that more car journeys will result from the village from September 2018….The road junction onto the main A329 is already dangerous.”
Proposals by Rectory Homes for new homes near the village pond
Of this proposal, Mr Storey writes: “What we have seen built so far by Rectory Homes’ two developments in recent years does not seem to be sympathetic in scale, design or materials and more attention is needed to the fact that this is a village not an extension of suburbia.
“This aesthetic is not apparently understood by Rectory Homes and, worse, SODC have failed to enforce proper standards – in scale, materials or design ie machine made slate tiles have been used next to Harvest Barn, not handmade clay tiles to defer to the original farm building, which is now overwhelmed and these views of field and barn have been spoilt, as the new buildings are dominant.
“In this proposal, the scale of the roof in the larger buildings make the choice of a high quality handmade clay tiles particularly important.”
Mr Storey claims that both proposed developments would spoil the view of the village Conservation Area and the collection of listed buildings that make Moreton popular with walkers, runners and cyclists from Thame – and that a valuable Thame amenity is at risk . He also fears for the diversity of wildlife seen in the village, which includes protected and other significant species including several types of bat, otter, grass snakes, adder, owl, herons and great crested newts within the village. Cuttle Brook links the village to the town nature reserve via two fields. An informal survey of the village confirms these species are regularly seen and clearly spread throughout the village – either side of the proposed development.”
Town and District Councillor, David Dodds, has himself written several times to SODC concerning support for extending the Conservation Area.
Meeting with Thame Town Council
Back in June, Rectory Homes requested a preparatory meeting with Thame Town Council and Moreton Residents’ Association. Cllr Helena Fickling for Thame TC’s Planning Committee, Ann Midwinter the Town Mayor, Linda Emery Deputy Mayor, David Dodds SODC councillor, Graham Hunt Town Clerk and Graeme Markland Neighbourhood Plan Officer all attended the meeting. Rectory Homes was represented by Edd Vickers, the son of owner Simon Vickers, and Jolande Bowater, Associate Director for Planning.
At the meeting, Mr Vickers apparently explained that there were no definitive plans, just ideas they wanted to share. He produced a rough plan which he said was for illustration only. They were suggesting seven homes with a green ‘buffer’ along the road and a footpath for pedestrians. He also pointed out the possibility of more open space around the pond and another area behind the line of proposed new houses.The field in question is opposite the Old School/School House/Old Chapel House.
Threat of ‘urbanisation’
There was absolutely no support for further development from the villagers present, the general feeling being that more development in Moreton would be seen as a move to “urbanise” the hamlet. Cllr Ann Midwinter said it was her belief that Rectory Homes should… “give up this proposal and leave Moreton alone.” The MRA (Moreton Residents Association) requested that if Rectory Homes did progress plans, there should be a public meeting in the Town Hall so that Moreton Residents could have the opportunity to comment as a community.
As a consequence of all this pressure for development in Moreton, many in the village are considering the case for a ‘mini Neighbourhood Plan’ for Moreton to feed into the Thame Plan and to protect Moreton as a place to visit for everyone in Thame. Others have requested SODC extend the village Conservation Area before the fields are lost.
One of the councillors present at the meeting suggested: “We need to consider what, if any, housing we think we might need and where will it go. It might also be worth considering the Thame Green Living Plan and what it means for our hamlet.”
