Developer decides not to appeal (From Witney Gazette)

Developer decides not to appeal

12:01pm Friday 24th March 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

A DEVELOPER has abandoned an attempt to overturn the rejection of planned retirement flats in Witney and Carterton.

McCarthy & Stone wanted to build 36 sheltered apartments for the over-60s on land facing the Leys recreation ground, Witney, and 42 flats at Alvescot Road, Carterton.

The Witney scheme, intended for a site occupied by a bungalow, between Poundstretcher and the Buttercross Works, was rejected by a planning committee at West Oxfordshire District Council on the grounds it would damage the character of the area, and make it hard to redevelop the whole site in the future.

The Carterton plan, which involved demolishing several businesses, including Dowley's Garage and Party Zone, was described by planners as a 'cramped, overdominant, and incongruous overdevelopment of the site'.

McCarthy & Stone had asked for a public inquiry to examine both decisions, but has now dropped the appeals. Spokesman, Paul Davies, said: "We decided the Carterton site wasn't quite right for a retirement scheme, so we have pulled out. And we have better sites available in Witney at the moment to meet the need for retirement homes."

Another appeal by the company, against the rejection of plans for 70 sheltered apartments at Bridge Street Mill, Witney, is still set to reach a public inquiry.

"We have better sites available in Witney at the moment to meet the need for retirement homes."

Paul Davies, of McCarthy & Stone