Windrush Place - Latest News

There are a few updates about Windrush Place so this is an up-to-date brief what is going on around the estate in the coming weeks and months.

Shops and Sports Pavilion Update

Over the last few months, the communication from the District Council has been very poor, leading to many questioning what on earth is going on with the shops, sports pavilion and proposed 74 houses. Cllr Thomas Ashby, Cllr Jane Doughty & Robert Courts MP have a meeting to discuss these issues and to identify next steps for these items on 15th September. There will be an update provided regarding the future of these facilities as soon as possible.

74 Homes Planning Application

Since the last planning application was submitted to the District Council, the Council did feedback some of the concerns that were raised by residents on the Planning Portal. Vistry Homes have now re-submitted this planning application. The consultation period on the planning portal has been extended, so if you have not made your comments already, please do so! 23/01206/FUL | Erection of seventy four dwellings and associated infrastructure (amended plans) | Land West Of Witney North Of A40 And East Of Downs Road Curbridge Witney Oxfordshire (westoxon.gov.uk)

Local Centre/Shops Planning Application

The plans for the centre have been amended. The main amendment is that the block of flats have been moved west, therefore they are now closest to the school. There is more outdoor space created outside of the retail units. The plans will be re-submitted on 7th September and the consultation will re-open before a planning officer makes the final decision.

Sports Pavilion

Sport England have requested further amendments to ensure that this facility is built for the future. These requested amendments from WODC and Sports England are being reviewed by the developers currently.

Bridleway Improvements

The section of the bridleway between Downs Road and Centenary Way will commence in early September for a 4–6-week period. This will be the same surface as we see in the paths going around the estate currently. The section of the bridleway between Centenary Way and woods are currently being costed – there is not a date on this section yet. The section of the Bridleway between the wood and Deer Park Road is being designed as part of the crossing works by Oxfordshire County Council.

Centenary Way – Road Surfacing

Finishing of the road surface and kerbs will commence ASAP. This will be the section between Curbridge Road and Mott Close initially until the building work is complete.

A note from Thomas: "I am genuinely as frustrated as anyone on Windrush Place. This situation has turned into a farce with the fault lying at the door of both the District Council and Consortium. I hope our meeting with the Council in a couple of weeks leads to some genuine action so that we can all move forwards.

I continue to call the relevant parties out in the press and media and I believe that the weight of the situation is finally coming home to roost. I will continue to use the media in order to amplify our cause.

If anyone has any questions or queries, please get in touch, email is best: thomas.ashby@westoxon.gov.uk"