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Landscape
WODC think it's a landscape worth preserving, so why do they continue to back this development? The landscape and its views are enjoyed by many local residents who use the network of footpaths through it. WODC's commissioned 'Kirkham Landscape report' highlighted their importance to the area. This report was included in the Local Plan 2031 Evidence Base.
In plain terms
West Oxfordshire's own landscape study — the Kirkham Report — says this farmland has "high landscape sensitivity" and is "worth preserving". The same report says a major peripheral road here would be "out of keeping" and "visually intrusive". That is exactly what the development proposes.
"…a major peripheral road would be out of keeping with the local landscape character and would be visually intrusive…"Kirkham Landscape Report, p 63 (14.1) — read the report (westoxon.gov.uk)
"…farmland and farmsteads carved out of the old Wychwood Forest has been identified as having high landscape sensitivity and high local and district importance…"Kirkham Landscape Report, p 54 (14.1) — read the report (westoxon.gov.uk)
Facts
- Commissioned by WODC — the Kirkham Landscape Report is the District Council's own study, included in the Local Plan 2031 Evidence Base
- High landscape sensitivity — farmland and farmsteads carved out of the old Wychwood Forest, of "high local and district importance"
- A protected view — the footpath network through the land offers views of the surrounding countryside and over Witney
- A road it says shouldn't be built — the development includes the Northern Perimeter Road, "out of keeping" and "visually intrusive" by the report's own words