Cornbury lodges - from the Witney Gazette
The Witney Gazette reports on the planned holiday lodges 
at Cornbury Park:
"PLANS have been submitted for a holiday home development on about 40 acres of the historic Cornbury Park Estate.
"The Witney Gazette reported in February that the estate, in Charlbury, wants to build 90 one- and two-storey forest lodges within its woodland at Finstock Heath.
"Trustees have registered an outline planning application, and a decision about whether to allow the development on a former military base within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Beauty in principle could be made by August.
"The council started sending letters to people living near the proposed site last week, informing them that they could comment on the plans until Friday, July 7.
"Cornbury Park Estate manager, Richard Watkins, said the aim of the development was to support tourism in the area, and create a site that reflected the area's 'peace and tranquillity'.
"But some residents told the Gazette they were concerned it could set a precedent, and encourage further development if the plans were given the go ahead.
"There were also concerns about increased traffic and the impact the development could have on the area, which is bordered by the Wychwood Site of Special Scientific Interest.
"Joy Murphy, of High Street, Finstock, said some residents were planning to get together to discuss how best to oppose the plans.
"They include a reception lodge, tennis courts, children's play area, access with parking and associated landscaping, as well as the 90 lodges.
"Ms Murphy said: 'It concerns me that this could set a precedent in the area, and we will definitely be opposing it. We've been told the best way to do this is individually, but we will be holding a meeting to discuss the best way forward.'
"Earlier this year, the estate invited residents to an exhibition with displays about the plans and said the lodges, which could draw up to an extra 360 people to the village, would not be permanently occupied. Income from lodge sales would go toward the upkeep of the 6,500-acre Cornbury Park."
(Full story here.)
Richard Fairhurst · Fri 23 Jun 2006, 12:15 · Link