Battle of the Thame housing development sites commences
PLANS for a housing development in Thame by a consortium of developers, is to be the subject of a public exhibition.
As part of the Oxfordshire Core Strategy that identifies areas of growth in South Oxfordshire up to 2026, Thame must provide up to 850 new homes during that period.
Communications consultants working on behalf developers keen to build on the eastern side of Thame, site A on the map, state in a letter that has been delivered to almost every home in the town: “The proposals represent a unique chance to improve the existing eastern areas of Thame, making them more connected to the rest of the town, whilst providing the sustainable growth and extra housing that Thame must accommodate.
“The scheme has been drawn up for East Thame in co-operation with local landowners and is deliverable. A new focus for the eastern part of the town will be provided through a small local centre and open green spaces for the community. There is also the potential to provide land for much needed community facilities, to meet the existing need of Thame and benefit the town as a whole.”
The exhibition is planned for Saturday, February 13, 2010, between 2pm and 8pm at Thame town hall.
South Oxfordshire District Council’s preferred option is site D on the map, but not all Thame residents are happy about the district council’s proposal for the bulk of this housing to be built on this, the southern side of Thame, and have formed an action group.
Thame Town Council’s preferred option is site C on the map.
Site Bii on the map has been ruled out by SODC since it was discovered that the area is a Hazard Zone and would not be suitable for development.
More information, maps and consultation documents regarding the Oxfordshire Core Strategy 2026 as it pertains to Thame, is available on SODC’s website at:
