Notice issued for controversial 248-unit development in Haddenham

A notice was published in the Bucks Herald last week regarding plans to build 248 housing units on Station Road in Haddenham.

Astonhill Land Ltd submitted the notice in regards to an application to construct a new development on land alongside Haddenham and Thame Parkway Railway Station.

Haddenham Parish Council and Mid Buckinghamshire MP Greg Smith have formally objected to the project, and Network Rail has raised concerns with how it appears to interfere with its operation.

A fresh notice was issued in connection with the scheme as developers are now seeking to construct 248 units at the site, when previously the application was lodged to build 192 properties.

As well as housing, developers are seeking to erect a multi-use centre, which would be used for 34 of the 248 units. If approved, the centre could be used by local services and corporate businesses.

The statement also reveals that 25% of the units opened would meet the Government’s affordable criteria. It is revealed that drainage works, new footways and pathways, plus parking, landscaping, and play areas, would be created as part of the scheme.

JCPC, which delivered the statement on behalf of developers, says: “The scheme would contribute to delivering a sustainable, mixed-use development that enhances the balance of related provision across Haddenham.”

The planning consultancy adds that the project would help address housing targets set out in the village’s development plan. Developers would seek to build a four-arm roundabout and priority junction to allow motorists access to the new neighbourhood.

A car park would be created for the scheme with each unit getting one space and an additional parking area would be allocated to the new commercial centre.

Thames Water advised that the existing foul water network does not have sufficient capacity to support the proposed development.

Before the project was expanded to include extra housing, Mr Smith said in objection: “Existing local services and infrastructure are already under strain and adding a further 192 residential households to the local population would put intolerable pressure on the provision of utilities, particularly water.”

The Conservative MP also raised concerns with the impact the project would have on education and health services. He also said: “Sited away from the village on the other side of the railway line the development would sprawl into the open countryside and be completely out of context with the established settlement.”

Haddenham Councillor Maru Mormina, outlined similar environmental concerns, she said: “The proposed development sits outside the natural boundary of the village as set out by the railway line. It would extend the village in an unnatural way towards Thame and, once this has been permitted, who is to say that further expansion is not to take place?”

A Network Rail planning technician noticed that the masterplan included the construction of a pathway, which they said intercepts a Network Rail gateway. “Network Rail appear to own this section of land and we would not accept any access taken from our land or which includes our land,” they said.