Jeffersons Piece development

Wed 7 Feb 2018, 17:22

The main issue with this possible development is access.

The proposed access is at the end of a very narrow cul de sac and through which, there are currently 10 or 12 garages used by local residents living in close proximity. From my understanding, it was proposed to knock down these garages to gain access to the field. This would deprive those residents using the garages of somewhere to park their cars other than on what are already congested side roads.

Regardless of the type of housing, affordable or otherwise, there is a credited figure of 7 car movements every day for the average household. So whatever number of houses would be built, this figure can be multiplied by 7 to give the additional traffic movements that would pass through this very limited access.

The exit/entry route from the site to The Slade is Ditchley Road, Chartwell Drive, Elm Crescent or Kendal Piece through to the cul de sac at the end of Jefferson Piece and vice versa. This takes all the traffic through congested side roads where at many times of the day, only single file traffic is possible and the then increased danger to pedestrians, particularly children and elderly persons crossing the road. We have all seen that there are too many motorists who do not drive with respect or consideration to the prevailing conditions.

In 1993, S & J Quarries made application no. 0138/93 for 'The erection of a new Factory with Offices & Associated Ancillaries, at Town Quarry South of Ditchley Road Charlbury Oxon'.

This proposal was refused and the reasons stated were:-

This Proposal would lead to levels of traffic movement which would be detrimental to:-

a. the amenities and quiet enjoyment of residents in the general vicinity.
b. the safety and convenience of pedestrians, horse riders and motorists using the existing substandard public highway network.
c. the character and ambience of this part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Charlbury Conservation Area.

Please note the use of the term 'the existing substandard public highway network' which from the proposed factory site would be Ditchley Road onto The Slade and which has not been improved although the amount of traffic at this junction will have increased substantially.

The Jefferson Piece proposal would add traffic through this route as well as the even more congested side roads which I have already listed.

So please before any more comments about the type of housing etc. go and look for yourselves at the proposed entry to this site.

I have not mentioned the affect the construction traffic would have on the residents in this quiet back water in Charlbury and that such construction traffic would go on for a minimum of two years if other construction sites are anything to go by. Please take this into consideration also.

pe your posting here