A FOOTBALL club could have a new clubhouse and Chipping Norton 228 new homes if an application that has been in the pipeline for five years comes to fruition.
In addition to the new development and clubhouse, the application, if given the go-ahead, will provide a new landscaped area to the town, incorporating a footpath and cycleway between the football club on Walterbush Road and the rugby club off Burford Road. The land has long been identified as an opportunity to deliver a substantial number of new homes while visually improving the edge of the town in this location.
Archstone and Bellway Homes Limited have submitted the plans in respect of land south and east of Walterbush Road, in an application that includes 40 per cent affordable housing.
The district council's updated housing evidence for the new Local Plan suggests 1,450 homes could be accommodated in the district up until 2029 and the land south of Walterbush has been identified as an appropriate location for building.
The planning application is the culmination of some five years of promotion and pre-application consultation. This has included representations to the emerging Local Plan and Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan and engagement with West Oxfordshire District Council and the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Board.
The preparation of the planning application has also involved extensive engagement with Chipping Norton Town Council. This has resulted in the town council confirming it’s "in principle" support for the proposed development application site.
Chipping Norton Football Club, has been involved in the preparation of the planning application and the proposals include a new clubhouse next to the football pitch to replace the existing facilities.
Kim Clarke, Social Club stewardess of Chipping Norton Football Club said: “We are delighted that the planning application has now been submitted. The new club house is
much needed and will dramatically improve the facilities at the club for current members and hopefully new players for many years to come."
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