Bishops Wood in Uproar: Community Unites Against Massive Housing Development

In a dramatic turn of events, the tranquil village of Bishops Wood is facing an unprecedented threat as two major housing developments loom on the horizon. The proposed Boningale Homes project, which seeks to build 100 houses on protected Greenbelt land, has ignited fierce opposition from local residents and officials alike. With a consultation deadline now extended to 18th August, the community is rallying to make their voices heard.

Community Action and Mobilisation

The Bishops Wood Community Action Group, a coalition of over 250 dedicated members, has spearheaded the opposition against this controversial development. The group’s recent drop-in sessions have seen remarkable attendance, with residents eager to learn how to submit formal objections. So far, in week one, their efforts have yielded 53 formal objections and a petition boasting 916 signatures, clearly reflecting the widespread discontent within the community.

Key Concerns

The County Highways department has raised significant concerns about the project’s impact on local infrastructure. They argue that Bishops Wood, with its limited amenities and sparse transport services, cannot support such a large influx of new residents. The lack of public transport and essential services further exacerbates these concerns, making the proposal’s sustainability highly questionable.

Adding to the community’s worries, the School Organisation Team has pointed out a severe lack of capacity in local schools. The expected influx of students from the new development could overwhelm already strained educational resources, leading to a potential crisis in local schooling.

Environmental and heritage considerations also feature prominently in the objections. The proposed site lies on Greenbelt land and near several listed buildings, raising alarms about the potential damage to these protected areas.

Furthermore, the local parish council has strongly objected to the proposal, highlighting numerous inaccuracies in the application documents. They emphasised that the land in question has been consistently excluded from development in both current and previous SSDC local plans, underscoring the area’s unsuitability for such a project.

A Looming Threat: Cranford Developments

Compounding the situation is the shadowy presence of Cranford Developments, led by local businessman Bill Oakley. The company has submitted a pre-application for an additional 80 houses on adjacent land, which, if approved, would nearly double the size of Bishops Wood. Oakley’s involvement has been a source of unease among residents, especially since he halted previously approved affordable housing and flood mitigation works after acquiring the land from a local farmer. This move has raised suspicions about his true intentions, with many fearing that he’s holding out for a more lucrative development deal.

A Call to Action

With the stakes higher than ever, the Bishops Wood community is calling on all residents to submit their objections by the 18th August deadline. The Community Action Group is providing guidance and support to ensure that every voice is heard. They argue that a robust community response is crucial to protecting the village from these predatory developments.

As the deadline approaches, the question remains: will the community’s collective voice be enough to halt these ambitious plans? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the residents of Bishops Wood are not going down without a fight.