Seen here between The Harp and Al-Zaib is a modern purpose built office building within an attractive courtyard setting. The New Abbey Court offices benefit from a lift and car parking. But times have moved on and there are plans afoot to replace them with even newer housing.
The architects says “Due to its close proximity to Oxford town centre, Abingdon has seen an influx of young professionals in recent years.”
An appeal has been lodged against the decision of the Vale of White Horse District Council to refuse the application for 160 houses to be built in a field – often used by horses.
As people predicted the main grounds for appeal are :
The appeal, although mostly couched in phrases pulled from the NPPF, also addresses more local grounds for refusal, saying:
(Thanks to Nigel for the pictures of the field.)
A NHS Children’s clinic now occupies part of the Clock House, which when opened in 1882 was home to a Conservative Working Mens Club. Three reliefs of Tory Grandees and a magnificent window adorn the front. It is good to see repairs now taking place before the rot sets in.
For more information on the reliefs try John’s Miscellany which he did for the blog in January 2010. I and maybe others in Abingdon are is still hoping there will be a 2nd John’s Miscellany.
The Vale of White Horse has refused planning permission for 160 dwellings on a field South of Abingdon.
Grounds for refusal included:
1. It is outside the provisions of the approved local plan.
2. It would generate additional traffic in an area already at capacity.
3. It would lead to loss of the rural aspect of the area.
4. It would generate more sewage in an area already at capacity.
5. The developers have not even entered into discussions about social housing and help towards highway measures etc. .
Around 200 people have written in response to the planning application, the vast majority are against.
The developers, Hallam Land Management Ltd, may still appeal.