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Planning Inquiry Summary Day 4

The fourth day started with confirmation that the Inquiry have extended the booking of the Memorial Hall to a third week to include 6-8th October inclusive.

Some new documents were presented and shared, this included Bloor sharing a copy of the Elm Tree Surgery statement posted to their website earlier in the month.

The formal session opened to discuss the Environmental Statement. This was to be done in the form of a Q&A with the Planning Inspector having already provided written questions.

The main topics were about the status of Wellington Wood (inside the Defence Academy along Faringdon Road) as an Ancient Woodland and that some areas were replanted and the nature of the species involved. The inspector was interested in data around vehicle emissions and the impact of EV vehicle transition on the data for emissions over time.

After the Q&A session with the witnesses, the Inspector asked the public for any further questions. These are summarised below:

A member of the public asked in response to the discussion on emissions whether the data analysis had factored in possible increased vehicle movements with a possible new Doctors Surgery being proposed. The Appellant team advised that this had been included as it would have been covered by their "worst case" scenario and modelled on some available standard modelling of trips to doctors surgeries.
A member of the public asked about the statement around the ground cover at Wellington Wood, pointing out that she had seen bluebells and orchids in this area.

There then followed a few questions in relation to a member of the public asking questions relating to the SSSI. These were:

Has the EIA considered badger sets on the SSSI and the impact of loss of foraging area. Was answered that the enhanced new open spaces will provide enhanced area, but some loss of space
Has appropriate fencing been considered for wildlife movement such as hedgehogs. This was answered that it would be covered in detailed design matters but the appellant was aware.
Question on road drainage and how water would be dealt with. The appellant answered that there were attenuation areas. It would be checked whether the water would run to the main sewage system
Finally, a question raised on whether it was possible for the part of the SSSI that falls on the Golf Course could long term form part of the land management of the Earth trust. It was answered that this was for later consideration and would need to be followed up with the Vale and Bloor.

That is the end of proceedings for the first week. The Inquiry will re-start on Tuesday 29^th at 9:30 when Mr Charlie Maynard MP will speak.

Full summaries for the whole week are available below. Thank you to Cllr Simon Howell for providing these daily updates.

Images captured by Cllr Claire Winfield, used with permission.

Planning Inquiry Summary Day 3

The third day started at 9:30am with the Vale cross examination of the Appellant (Bloor) witness, Mr Gardner, relating to Landscape and visual impact. The discussion focused on a few areas of disagreement:

Susceptibility of the site to Change. This discussion was about the site characteristics and the change impact. The Appellant position was it was Low, whilst the Vale argue it as Medium.

The Shrivenham Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) was referenced extensively again in the discussion.
The second area focused on the Magnitude of Change. Both parties agreed the impact was High in Year 1. The Appellant model included reliance on a 25 year model for assessing the mitigation of replacement planting. The Vale argued it is industry standard to use 15, and that is what should be used.

It was again pointed out that in the actual outline application there are no details of planting plans for mitigation and pointed out to the inspector that as it is "outline only" the plans on layout could be comletely changed but within the same footprint of the development site. As Landscape planting is for a later Reserved Matters approval. The Vale team raised the concern that this left significant uncertainty on any mitigation plan and details outstanding with only "illustrative" details included in the Inquiry documents.

It was pointed out the original master plan did have some details of planting, the latest updated version as basis for consideration did not, creating less certainty and information about delivery. Therefore it is argued for making the decision there is less mitigation to be relied on.
A debate was then held about the "Canopy" of the site and the 15 years v 25 years assessment. The vale cited several examples of trees referred to as possible options to plant and cited the difference between the canopy could be 60-75% and so that in their view the mitigation and tree coverage is much less than claimed.

It was also again pointed out that the maintenance costs for such a large "open space" to mitigate the damage would fall on only about 130 houses, removing the affordable houses. So concerns raised not only about the cost (indirectly viability) but that there was also risk of a downgrading of the scheme in reserved matters later.
Settlement Gap: a source of ongoing debate of where the built up boundary of Shrivenham finishes. The Appellant claims it is at Northford Close, so the golf course is more of a fill in, but the Vale strongly contend it is at Pennyhooks lane, where the new Cross Trees development builds up to. It was pointed out by some residents that the perception is when you approach Pennyhooks lane you are entering open countryside and so the gap.

The Inspector then asked if any members of the public wanted to ask any questions of the witness.

Cllr Howell explained that the Parish Council had some years ago invested some funds provided from previous developments into some "street art" with the Shrivenham "S" in ironwork on the entry points in the village, aimed at marking the entrance and exit points of the village. He asked the Appellant if they were aware of the location of these points in respect of the Faringdon road (It is actually just after the pinch point as you exit Shrivenham before Pennyhooks Lane. There was a discussion then as to whether this could be allowed as new evidence being introduced. The Inspector allowed it and stated he would view it as part of his next site visit.

The final part of the afternoon session was focused on Trees.

There were not many areas of significant differences, but some clarification discussions. In total 241 trees would be lost, mostly Mature trees. It was noted all trees with preservation orders (TPO) would be retained. Some discussion of the way trees have been categorised - A/B/C based on condition/expected life etc. and that most of the trees are type B.

Friday Day 4 (9:30 start) will be in slightly amended form now, with a session on Environmental Statement and Q&A, some of which already moved to email. Likely to be a shortened day.

The Inquiry will then resume next Tuesday 29th, with Charlie Maynard MP and a few other public speakers lined up that could not make representations on Day 1. The focus of that day is Golf/Recreation.

Planning Inquiry Summary Day 2

The second day of the Inquiry started with a few procedural matters. The Inspector advised that he had completed a partial site visit on the previous evening. He also advised that it had been noted that a member of the public had used their Meta Glasses to capture images of the first day that had been shared around social media. He advised this should not have been done without prior notification, as he had asked during the morning if any press or filming/recording would happen, and requested they not be used during the Inquiry. The individual commented that she was not wearing them today.

The main theme of Day 2 was the discussion of Landscape and Character, including discussion of the settlement gap.

The Vale of White Horse introduced their expert witness, Mr Duffy, who presented a summary of his expert submitted papers summarising in his view the "High" weight of importance of the impacts on the Landscape and Settlement Gap. There were several references through the day referring to a recent Appeal in Kingston Bagpuize as the appeal Granted permission. The expert was also involved in the early part of this case and highlighted the differences in that there was no golf course involved, and that Southmoor and Kingston Bagpuize were already joined settlements and various other fact pattern differences.

A discussion was held about there being a difference to the Shrivenham Plans submitted but the planning inquiry documents having more "illustrative plans" of tree planting but the witness questioned the delivery and affordability of such a scheme. Also pointing out that the future residents of any "market" properties in the proposed new site would have to pay for a service charge to maintain this large area of 22 Hectares to be maintained. That could be a significant financial cost to any future residents if approved.

The next segment discussed trees, with a discussion on the magnitude of the change and how long the mitigation of the tree planting would take with the views expressed ranging from 15 to 25 years. The witness also explained that there was a difference to consider on this topic of the physical (distance) separation and the Visual (Perception) of separation - the latter taking in the impact from the public footpaths and faringdon road.

It was explained that the current perceived boundary of the built up area/urban partof Shrivenham was Pennyhooks Lane, acting as a natural boundary. Development would lead to the perceived urbanisation beyond pennyhooks lane and lead to a significant change of character.

During these discussions there were many references made to the Shrivenham Neighbourhood plan.

Witness Cross Examination:

The session got very technical(!). Arguments focused on the view that the Golf Course did not in the appellants view represent a key part of the settlement gap, but with the trees, the Tuckmill Brook and planting that this would be the main gap.

A significant amount of time was then spent on various sections of the Shrivenham Neighbourhood Plan resulting in Bloor presenting that based on the plan the "only" areas in the Parish that could possibly be built on were the Golf course and the already allocated area at Cross Trees - the other areas appearing to be protected by the panoramic views of the Downs etc and other areas. This was later contested.

The cross examination then focused on where the perceived built up boundary of Shrivenham lies, with the appellent arguing this is beyond the "island" of Northford Close, and includes part of the Defence Academy including Lake Road etc.

These arguments were based on trying to argue about the impact on the size of the settlement gap and so reducing the impact of the proposal.

Re-examination of witness from Vale:

The Vale Barrister was then allowed a re-examination to clarify some areas. This focused on re-iterating the boundary was perceived as Pennyhooks Lane. The witness also explained that in his view the landscape assessment and the focus on the separation was about the loss of the land separating not the quality/nature of the land. He also pointed out that the Shrivenham Neighbourhood Plan had been prepared professionally with proper advisors advising on the landscape assessment, not "locals" and that it stood as equal weight to the vale Plan. He went on to counter the appellants view stating that in the neighbourhood plan the other sites were note wholly excluded due to the panoramic views in his view and re-iterated that the only area specifically called out where development should not take place was the Golf Club.

Cllr Howell was unable to attend the final 90 minutes, where the Appellant brought their Witness to present on the same topic, and they will be cross examined at the start of day 3.

A new timetable is available on the Vale planning site:

Planning: P25/V2394/O - Online Register Click on Appeals, then Documents to find latest link to agenda. There are many appeal documents stored on this site.(Scroll down to the bottom section called "Inquiry Documents")

Summary of the opening day of the Planning Inquiry

A brief summary of the opening day.

Planning Inspector Matthew Jones opened proceedings and welcomed everyone to the Inquiry.

A special thank you to the 100+ residents from Shrivenham and Watchfield who attended the proceedings and were exceptionally well-behaved (mostly ?!).

Introductions were made, and it was explained that the Inquiry may need to run into a third week due to new information received in recent days regarding the Vale's five-year housing land supply. As a result, Shrivenham Memorial Hall is likely to be booked for an additional three days, 6–8 October (to be confirmed).

The Inspector highlighted that the Inquiry will focus on several key issues: the suitability of the site for development, the character of the area and potential harm, the loss of sport and recreation facilities, and housing need and land supply across the Vale.

The timetable was outlined, and the process was explained, including witness statements, cross-examination, and opportunities for members of the public to question witnesses.

Opening statements were then made by the Appellant team (Bloor Homes' representatives), followed by the Vale of White Horse District Council (the “defendants”). These outlined the core cases for and against the appeal.

The Inspector then invited representations from the room. Cllr Howell requested that, due to availability issues, some members of the Golf Club and members of the public who were unable to attend this week be allowed to speak next week. It was agreed that further public representations would be heard on Tuesday 29 September, after Charlie Maynard MP has addressed the Inquiry.

Public speaking then began with the planning consultant engaged jointly by Shrivenham and Watchfield Parish Councils, followed by cross-examination.

In total, seven representations were made, covering golf, health and wellbeing, the use of the area by community groups, the future of the doctors' surgery, urbanisation of the settlement gap, highways, and sewage and water infrastructure. The relevance of the Swindon Eastern Expansion was also raised, alongside discussion of Oxford's unmet housing need.

All public speakers did a fantastic job, particularly in responding to the cross-examination process.

The afternoon concluded with a witness presenting evidence on affordable housing need.

When the formal proceedings ended, the Inspector carried out an unaccompanied private visit to the site.

Day 2 will commence at 9.30 am in the Large Hall at Shrivenham Memorial Hall.

Reminder: Public Inquiry for plans to build on the Golf Course starts Tuesday 22nd at 10am in the Main Hall, Shrivenham Memorial Hall.

The public are welcome to attend and show the "Best of Shrivenham" and that we care greatly about this area and all the benefits it brings to the villages.

We expect to hear how the inquiry will run on the first day and how we can make representations, as well as the introductions of the parties involved and the key areas of focus.

Updates and news will be published as soon as we have more info.

Message from Cllr Simon Howell.

--- We are recruiting two pivotal roles at Shrivenham Parish Council ---

Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) & Trust Secretary (P/T)

This is a leadership role, responsible for advising the Council on governance and legislation, managing the Council's finances, leading the Parish staff team, and serving as Secretary to the Viscountess Barrington Trust.

The position is ideal for an experienced Parish Clerk seeking a broader challenge, or a Deputy Clerk ready to take the next step in their career. CiLCA or ILCA (or working towards) is required, together with local government and people management experience.

Finance Admin Officer (P/T)

We're also seeking a practical and organised Finance Admin Officer to manage the day-to-day financial administration for both the Parish Council and the Viscountess Barrington Trust. The role includes processing payments, maintaining financial records, supporting budgets and audits, and ensuring strong financial controls across both organisations.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with finance experience who enjoys accurate, varied and meaningful work.

How to apply

For either role, please send your CV together with a covering letter explaining your suitability to Bob Sheldon, Chairman of Shrivenham Parish Council, email: bob.sheldon@shrivenham.org

For an informal discussion, please contact the Parish Office on 01793 782925.

Closing date: 12 October 2026

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Parish Clerk/RFO and Trust Secretary - Vacancy Details
SPC Vacancy Clerk RFO Secretary_202609.p[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [275.0 KB]

Finance Admin Officer - Vacancy Details
SPC Vacancy Finance Admin Officer_202609[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [270.6 KB]

OCC Consultation for proposed EV charging spaces

Following the Parish Council's extraordinary meeting on the 30th July 2026, the attched submission has been made to OCC (Oxfordshire County Council).

EV Consultation Submission SPC
EV Consultation Submission SPC.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [100.3 KB]

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Update on Gladman Planning application to build 100 dwellings

https://valeofwhitehorse.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=P26%2FV2692%2FO (Open for comments until 20th August)

The proposals for development on this land have been refused three times in September 2018, April 2022, and June 2023.

There is no material change in circumstances since these previous application refusals. Therefore, the Parish Council have voted unanimously to oppose this application again and a detailed objection statement is being prepared for submission.

In the meantime, here is a summary of the main planning reasons why the Parish Council believe that this application should be refused again.

Unallocated site beyond the boundary of the village and in open countryside, this is in conflict with the Vale of White Horse Local plan.
Development outside the boundary of the village is also on conflict with the Shrivenham Neighbourhood plan.
There is visual and landscape harm as removes open countryside. Development would erode the landscape buffer between existing housing and the A420
Infrastructure capacity issues, in particular the known sewage issues at the local sewage works and capacity pressures on local healthcare provision
Highways and traffic, the proposal would create significant additional traffic routed through Buckland Drive and would intensify local safety and capacity issues.
There is adequate supply of housing in the area, an unplanned development is not needed and would result in harm and further pressure on the local community and infrastructure.

The full Parish Council objection will be published as soon as it has been submitted. Written by Cllr. Simon Howell.

Shrivenham Parish Council – Formal Objection to Planning Application P26/V2692/O written by Cllr. Howell
Gladman Planning response for 20.8.26.pd[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [80.1 KB]

IMPORTANT - Action required by 7th July 2026

Shrivenham Park Golf Course, Pennyhooks Lane - Outline Planning Application P25/V2394/O

For residents interested in the above outline planning application, the applicant for the 200 dwellings on the golf course has lodged an appeal at the government planning inspectorate and gone to an Inquiry. This was done by Bloor Homes before the Vale of White Horse District Council (VoWHDC) made a decision on the application.

The process to gather input and comments to the inquiry has started.

We are aware there have been strong feelings about this application, so we urge all interested parties to be able to have their say and comment on the appeal to ensure local residents are heard. Comments should be focused on relevant planning guidance such as the issue of the gap between the villages that should be maintained as per the local development plan, the loss of trees and the golf course as valuable local amenity, highways concerns, strain on local facilities. There are also of course issues with sewage/flooding and the Tuckmill Nature Reserve.

The Parish Council will be writing our representations for this process and will be publicised as soon as available. This will summarise our previous objections and any relevant new information.

Comments can be made by following the link below on the Gov.uk site
https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6007811

Statement by: Cllr. Simon Howell (Newly elected Chairperson of Shrivenham Parish Council’s Planning Committee)

Notice of new public right of way on Shrivenham's Recreation Ground

NOTICE OF CONFIRMATION OF PUBLIC PATH AND DEFINITIVE MAP AND STATEMENT

MODIFICATION ORDERS HIGHWAYS ACT 1980, WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981

Shrivenham FP15 running from OS Grid Ref SU 2375 8902 eastwards for 150m via SU 2381 8902 and SU 2389 8901 to SU 2390 8901, and then east-north-eastwards for 21m to Manor Lane at SU 2391 8901;

Shrivenham FP18 running OS Grid Ref SU 2389 8901 north-north-westwards for 59m to SU 2384 8911 and north-north-eastwards for 96m to Lawrence Avenue at SU 2384 8915.

Extinguishment Order
03851 Extinguishment Order.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.5 MB]

Confirmed Order Notice
03851 Confirmed Order Notice.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [161.4 KB]

Creation Order
03851 Creation Order.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.1 MB]

THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAYS FROM 10AM TO 4PM

To make an appointment please telephone: 01793 782925

	Shrivenham Parish Council The Memorial Hall Highworth Road Shrivenham, SN6 8BL Phone: 01793 782925 Clerk's email: clerk@shrivenham.org
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