Sustainable Stonesfield (SUSTO) was formed in 2017 in response to the District Council’s emerging Local Plan 2031 and the potential for up to 200 houses being built in the village. We felt that residents needed a group who would watch out for planning applications and mobilise opposition to inappropriate development. Over the last seven years we have done just that, with some notable successes, the rejected CALA development being one of the most memorable.
The District Council is now revising their Local Plan, this time to 2041, and there are currently three large sites in the village being offered to the Council for development:
- North of the Woodstock Road (again), Rectory Homes 6.2ha 50 houses;
- Blenheim land south of William Buckland Way, 1.8ha circa 30 houses (based on UK Gov housing density figures);
- The Manor Field, Combe Road, the Eastwood/Oakeshott families, 2.6ha 32 houses.
Together, if granted, they would involve a total of around 112 new houses on green field sites and a devastating loss of natural habitat and rural views.
With an emerging Local Plan due for public consultation in the New Year, you will no doubt want to discuss with us what SUSTO should be doing.
Please come to the SUSTO meeting in the St James Centre on Thursday 14 November at 7.30pm.
We will review our successes (there have been a number), what is likely to happen in the months to come, and how residents can respond and participate in the decisions that affect our village – now and in the future.
Sustainable Stonesfield