Derwent Green Residents Group

21/05/2026

The planning application to enclose amenity land on the corner of Howes Lane and Shakespeare Avenue with a 6ft fence has been refused.
The planning officer stated "The change of use of amenity land to domestic use, and the er****on of a close board fence adjacent to Howes Lane, results in the loss of an area of open amenity space, which detracts from the open, spacious and verdant character of the streetscene to the significant detriment of its visual amenity."

16/05/2026

West Bicester Election results:

Michael Wilson Reform UK 753 Elected, four years
George Popescu Reform UK 741 Elected, one year
Dan Hallet Independent 625
Claire Brenner Green Party 600
Jasmine Webb-Majnlund Independent 590
Naomi Rose Crookston Liberal Democrats 583
Matt Webb Liberal Democrats 535
Tim Lobanov Green Party 328
Marco Caso The Conservative Party 275
Paul Graham Animal Welfare Party 89
Andrew McHugh The Conservative Party 258

41% turnout

Cherwell District Council is now
Conservative - 8
Green - 4
Independent - 2
Labour - 8
Liberal Democrat – 20
Reform UK - 6

23/04/2026

The planning application to build next to 71 Wear Road has been refused.

REASONS FOR REFUSAL

1. By virtue of its scale, siting and design the proposed development would result in over-
development of the site that would appear incongruous and out of character with existing
surrounding properties and the wider street scene. It would fail to reflect or reinforce the existing
pattern of development within the immediate area and would adversely affect the character and
appearance of the area by developing a pocket of open green space that contributes positively to
the character of the area. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy ESD15 of the Cherwell Local
Plan 2011-2031 Part 1, saved Policies C28 and C30 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996 and
government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

2. The hornbeam, which is the subject of a tree preservation order, has amenity value as it makes a
positive contribution to the character of the area. No supporting evidence has been made available
to indicate that the tree is in an unsafe condition or poses an unacceptable risk of complete or
partial failure. There are therefore no compelling grounds presented for its removal (approved plan
25-BW-2 A). The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy ESD10 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-
2031 Part 1 and government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

3. The proposed development would result in unacceptable detrimental impacts on highway safety
due to the limitation of the proposed parking area and nature of the access arrangement. The
proposed development is therefore contrary to Policy ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-
2031 Part 1 and Government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

4. In the absence of a satisfactory unilateral undertaking or any other form of Section 106 legal
agreement the local planning authority is not satisfied that the proposed development provides for
appropriate mitigation required as a result of the development and necessary to meet the
requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain.

14/04/2026

03/02/2026

Plot bought October 25 - planning application made December 25. Objections needed before 11 February 26. https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/25/03337/F
The tree does not have a TPO - at the moment.

30/10/2025

Here's a story with a difference - St Edburg's Well was a medieval place of pilgrimage, and its location? The green space between Greenwood Drive and Avon Crescent. Who knew?

The history of St Edburg's Well, Bicester

21/10/2025

Let's hope the buyer doesn't imagine they will be able to do anything with this plot.

16/10/2025

53/54 HAMBLESIDE
The Inspector has dismissed the appeal!
(See 16 July post)
You can read the full detail of the decision athttps://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Document/Download?module=APP&recordNumber=1955&planId=0&imageId=62&isPlan=False&fileName=APPEAL%20DECISION%20-%203367723.pdf

Two key statements:
"the green space... forms part of the public realm"
"I conclude that the proposed development would result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the area"

Developers and speculators don't always win!

18/08/2025

Dropped kerb on Dryden Avenue.
The owner stopped doing this work when he did not have planning permission. He has now applied for planning permission - 25/01888/F. I will be very very surprised if OCC Highways will allow a dropped kerb in this location. In my objection I have also pointed that while the applicant is the owner of the plot over which the new driveway would be built, it is still public amenity land maintained by the Council.

08/08/2025

On 31 July Cherwell DC submitted their Cherwell Local Plan Review 2042. The good news is that four plots in our area have been proposed as Local Green Spaces - which effectively protects them from development in the future.

The four are:
- Derwent Green
- Bowmont Square (which includes the Avon Crescent trees)
- Isis Avenue (which actually means the strip alongside Middleton Stoney Road)
- Kings Meadow Recreation Ground (the plot in front of the school)

Councillor Sibley tried to get many more included. I have emailed the Group all this information - email [email protected] if you want to know more.

24/07/2025

I contacted the Arboricultural Team Leader, who has replied "I’m very conscious of the fact you raised concern for these trees before I completed the TPO survey. Given the recent tree works I feel it’s fair to re-assess the trees with an increased expediency score, I’ll be visiting early next week to complete this assessment and will notify you of the outcome."

I have stressed to him that it is the trees on the greens in our streets that are of most concern.

I will report on anything further I hear.