Proposals for a significant housing development at Bayswater Farm on the outskirts of Headington have been firmly rejected, a decision that has brought relief to many local residents. The plans, which included 121 homes, an 80-bed care home, and extensive green space, faced substantial opposition and were ultimately declined by both the South Oxfordshire District Council and the Oxford City Council.
Initially turned down by the South Oxfordshire District Council in April, the proposal needed further assessment by the Oxford City Council due to the fact that a small portion of the land falls within the city’s jurisdiction. During a planning meeting held on 21 May, city councillors joined their South Oxfordshire counterparts in refusing the application, citing various concerns from the local community and issues related to infrastructure and traffic.
One prominent argument against the development was its potential impact on the Sandhills area, designated a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) since May 2022. LTNs aim to reduce traffic and enhance street safety, but they have been a source of controversy, with some blaming them for increased congestion in surrounding areas.
A councillor highlighted that the addition of this development would significantly alter the character and effectiveness of Sandhills as an LTN. They noted that many residents may not even be aware that Sandhills is classified among the contentious LTNs.
Critics of the application pointed out the lack of active travel options surrounding the proposed development site. The primary access routes would be restricted to main roads, raising concerns about increased traffic on currently quiet residential streets. One committee member mentioned the significant local worries about the potential rise in traffic.
Another councillor elaborated on the difficulties posed by the site’s location, explaining that most of the development area lies within the South Oxfordshire district. The limited access points, primarily onto the A40, present significant challenges for promoting active travel. Without adequate bus services and with the area’s hilly terrain, encouraging alternative transportation methods is problematic.
Further concerns were raised about the connectivity within the Sandhills area, which lacks multiple entry and exit points. This restricts movement within the neighbourhood, making it primarily residential rather than a thoroughfare for wider travel.
A representative from the local ward noted that while the current low traffic environment makes it easy for children to walk to school, the introduction of a large development could disrupt this balance.
An independent councillor from a nearby ward argued that equating areas with no through traffic to those with historic road closures is misleading. They pointed out that Sandhills, with its limited public transport options and high car ownership, is not an ideal model for new developments.
The planning paper supporting the proposal had highlighted the creation of extensive pedestrian and cycle routes within the proposed green space. It suggested that this would foster interaction between new and existing communities and enhance overall health and wellbeing. Despite these assurances, the councils were not convinced.
The rejection of the Bayswater Farm development underscores ongoing concerns about urban planning and community impact in the region. With LTNs remaining a polarising issue, local authorities face the challenge of balancing the demand for new housing with preserving neighbourhood character and promoting sustainable travel.
As this decision reverberates through the community, future development proposals are likely to continue sparking robust debate. The need for housing must be carefully balanced against the implications for traffic, infrastructure, and community wellbeing, ensuring that the perspectives of local residents are duly considered in any new initiatives.
