Councillors urged to approve 70 Hook Norton houses despite 316 objections (From Banbury Cake)

Councillors urged to approve 70 Hook Norton houses despite 316 objections

9:10am Thursday 21st June 2012 in Headlines By Oliver Evans

PLANS for 70 homes in Hook Norton – which have attracted more than 300 objections – should be approved tonight, a council report says.

Taylor Wimpey should be allowed to build the homes on a field north of The Bourne and by Bourne Lane, the Cherwell District Council report says.

The plans have led to a storm of protest from villagers, with 316 opposing the scheme compared to seven in support.

But the report says the village could take up to 189 more homes and the scheme would help meet Government housing targets.

The developer will provide cash to expand Hook Norton Primary School and 30 per cent of homes will be affordable.

Good local services such as shops, pubs and a doctors’ surgery will cut traffic, it adds, and there is a “demonstrable need” for more homes.

But Hook Norton Parish Council said the plan would expand the village too much and lead to more road congestion.

Chairman David Shepley-Cuthbert said: “As a percentage of the whole village, the site is an enormous amount, it is madness. ”

The planning committee will be asked to make a decision when it meets at Bodicote House, Bodicote, at 4pm.

The public can attend and further permission will be needed for final details of matters like design of the homes.