Villages Celebrate as Proposed Massive Development at Waterstock Golf Club dismissed - Site also confirmed as Green Belt NOT Grey Belt
The small community of Waterstock village has heard that the Planning Inspector has dismissed a proposal to build a Science and Technology Park on land at Waterstock Golf Club. Waterstock, supported by neighbouring villages, led local opposition to the application by Greystoke, a major corporate developer.
Finally, after almost a year long wait, local villages, golfers, walkers, cyclists and horse riders in and around the Conservation Area village of Waterstock and its Local Wildlife Site can celebrate that
Greystoke’s proposal has been thrown out. Locals say the plan would have destroyed over 100 acres of precious Oxfordshire Green Belt and could have inflicted huge damage on surrounding villages, wildlife and habitats, the popular local golf course, The Oxfordshire Way, and other well-used public footpaths and bridleways.
Henry Manisty, co-ordinator of Waterstock’s opposition to this development commented; “We are deeply relieved, and grateful to the Planning Inspector for his Decision. It is a victory for our small
community, our Green Belt, wildlife, heritage, golf club and our riding school, as well as for all the visitors who enjoy coming here, many walking The Oxfordshire Way. But most of all this is a victory for common sense. The proposed development site is unsustainable, being entirely vehicle dependent
with no railway, cycling or walking options. There is no supporting housing infrastructure, and the site is remote from Oxfordshire’s Science Vale. Traffic would have increased on the already busy and accident-prone roads and M40 roundabouts next to the site generating more noise and light pollution….there were just so many negatives.
South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) refused the original Greystoke planning application on no less than 17 separate grounds of objection, and they were right to do so. However, it cannot be right that small communities like Waterstock, or financially pressed local authorities, end up bearing the very considerable costs of opposing entirely speculative Appeals of this kind. There should be a mechanism for recovery of costs.”
Michael Tyce, CPRE Officer, resident and part of the Waterstock defence team added; “We are particularly grateful for the Inspector’s important determination that, under theGovernment’s recently revised Planning Guidance, the site is Green Belt, rather than Grey Belt, and so entitled to the full protection that Green Belt status has always given. This is because of the harm that development of the site would have caused to Waterstock’s Conservation Area and to four listed buildings, including the iconic Bow Bridge on the Oxfordshire Way.”
Waterstock Parish Meeting Chair, Rob Arthur and member of defence team stated;
“This was something of a David Vs Goliath situation, so we want to thank the very many people who played a crucial role in this positive outcome. Firstly, Waterstock wants to thank South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) and in particular Tracy Smith and Emma Bowerman from SODC’s planning team, whose dedication and sheer professionalism were vital in seeing off this unwanted development. Similarly, our barrister Harriet Townsend KC, who did an amazing job representing our small community, and the many volunteers at the Inquiry.
“We are also incredibly thankful to the over 400 people who took the time to write letters of objection, participated in protest walks and those who spoke at the Inquiry. Your voices were invaluable in demonstrating the strength of opposition to this development. Additionally, we were grateful for the many generous financial donations from villagers, neighbouring villages and others to help us access lawyers and expert advice.”
“We are especially grateful to the River Thame ConservationTrust for wide ranging assistance during the proceedings. The contributions of Ben Piper (Chair), David Fraser (CEO), and Nick Marriner (Trustee) have been instrumental in presenting a clear and well-supported environmental case
against the development. We also received strong support from Freddie van Mierlo (MP) and Tim Bearder (District Councillor).”
Safeguarding the Future:
The decision will ensure the continued protection of key elements of Waterstock’s heritage, wildlife, and recreational spaces:
- Waterstock Golf Course: A cherished community asset, the golf course can continue to thrive
- Waterstock Riding School: The school remains secure, ensuring that equestrian activities and local businesses can continue to benefit from this beautiful area.
- Local Wildlife: The rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems within the Waterstock Mill Designated Local Wildlife Area will continue to be safeguarded, preserving biodiversity for future generations.
- Public Footpaths: The Oxfordshire Way and other public footpaths, which are enjoyed by many walkers, remain protected, allowing continued access to the countryside.
- Waterstock Conservation Area and Listed Buildings: The unique historical and architectural value of Waterstock, including its many listed buildings, will remain intact, allowing the village to preserve its character for future generations.
