Unpopular Adderbury trailer park plan for 73-caravans is withdrawn

A field outside Adderbury which was the subject of a planning application for a caravan park - now withdrawn

The plan, for a ten-acre field opposite Ball Colegrave, on Milton Road, prompted scores of letters of objection to Cherwell District Council.

The future of the land has not been determined but adverts for it as a possible future development opportunity are still on the website of agents Fine & Country at a guide price of £300,000.

The plan, submitted on behalf of landowner Katie MacDonald, sought consent for spaces for 73 caravans with an amenity building with a reception, toilets, showers and washing facilities. Some 85 objections were received by the council's planning department.

Villagers who responded said west Adderbury had already taken two new housing developments with the associated traffic increase. They fear environmental damage, traffic and crime and 'an enormous impact' on the village, whose infrastructure would not be able to cope.

Objections also came from nearby Milton whose residents said the exposed site is not suitable for travellers and roads, concrete bases and associated buildings on the field would be too much development on a greenfield site with a countryside designation.

West Adderbury Residents Association said there were fears the application was a ‘trojan horse’ for further development into a residential or travellers’ caravan site.

Ball Colegrave sent its own objections. "This is a huge concern to us for the safety of our staff and visitors accessing our site, as it is to those living within the community. Adding vehicles from occupants of 70 caravans to the existing highway will be hazardous.

"The village infrastructure is already adapting for a significant change on the Milton Road with the current development of the Sports and Community Facility. The impact on our business from noise and disturbance of 70 families on vacation during our working day could be detrimental to our 50 staff."

One resident called it a 'public disaster waiting to happen with all the local neighbours having to pay the price'.

An Adderbury villager told the Banbury Guardian: "If it ended up being an unofficial caravan site, there will be a huge impact on the village. Not just traffic, which is already a problem but the increase in crime, not to mention the erosion of the historic ecology of the village.

"I know a few long term residents who have indicated they would move if something like this was to happen. I believe communities provide support and infrastructure to accord with their lifestyle."