[Community] Abgindon Bypass proposal

[John Cotton]

Dear All

Firstly, my apologies for a collective response; I've had a quite a few 
emails and I wanted to let you all know the situation at the same time.

I have had a conversation today with Matthew Barber - Leader of VoWH 
District Council - and he is now very aware of the concerns of residents 
in Culham about his proposed bypass.

Firstly, he repeated the point that I think others have made which is 
that it is very unlikely that the road will be built - finances just 
won't stretch to it. Nevertheless, he appreciated that even the proposal 
itself is a big problem for the village.

I asked him for two things initially, ahead of any further action on the 
consulation:

1/ To make a prompt public statement acknowledging that the map was 
poorly drawn and that the council would not pursue such a route should 
monies and the need ever cause the road to be built.

2/ If the safeguarded land is to remain a policy of his council 
(although I'm fairly sure Vale can't safeguard land outside of their own 
boundary!), to publish a revised map showing much more accurately a 
practical route for a road that does not involve demolishing houses/pubs 
or taking away useful village land.

I didn't go as far as requesting its removal which I know some want, as 
I've yet to see the evidence supporting its inclusion and so I feel 
unable to reach that judgement right now.

He agreed to discuss my requests with colleagues and has promised to 
come back to me as soon as possible (though probably not this week).

In the meantime, you should all make your individual responses to the 
Vale consultation (you can do that online here):

https://consult.southandvale.gov.uk/portal/vale/planning/pol/lpp1/lpp1

and have until May 9th to do so.

I am in discussion with policy officers at SODC and have asked for sight 
of a draft of my councils response as soon as possible. In the event 
that it is not helpful (though from discussions to date, that is 
unlikely), I will do whatever I can to change that.

If anyone wants to talk about this further, please do email me or call 
me on 07796 951 968.

Regards

John


/*John Cotton*//*
*//*Member for Sandford Ward, South Oxfordshire District Council*/
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