Developers make a second attempt (From Witney Gazette)

Developers make a second attempt

9:00am Wednesday 26th April 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

DEVELOPERS are making a second attempt at gaining permission for new flats at Wood Green, Witney.

Last month, Empire Homes' proposal to demolish Chichester House, on the corner of Wood Green and Woodstock Road, and replace it with 14 apartments, were rejected by councillors.

One member of the planning committee at West Oxfordshire District Council said the planned eight flats and six cottages looked like 'a row of garages', while Witney Town Council called the design 'an aberration of this part of Witney'. 90 residents wrote to the council to object.

Councillors agreed Chichester House, built in the late 1960s, was of no architectural value, and could be knocked down if a better scheme was approved.

The developer has lodged a second application with the council, hoping to address councillors' objections. The design and layout of the plans has been changed, and one apartment has been removed.

Anyone interested in commenting on the new application has until May 5 to contact the district council, before the matter is considered again by the planning committee.