Stewkley Parish Council write to Diocese of Oxford amid ongoing "Wing New Town" controversy

They're calling for the Diocese to reconsider their support of proposed development.

Stewkley Parish Council's shared their letter objecting to the development on their website yesterday (28/10), citing concerns about increased traffic, pressure on local infrastructure, impacts on neighbouring villages, loss of countryside and effects on the wider rural area.

They're asking for the Diocese to reconsider their support of a proposal - included in Bucks Council's draft local plan - which would see roughly 96 hectares of Diocese-owned land north-west of Wing used for a 1630 home development.

The draft local plan also says the development would include five net additional serviced Gypsy/ Traveller pitches, approximately 1,000 sq.m. of town centre uses, supporting infrastructure, community facilities and green and blue infrastructure. The proposal has already seen strong community opposition, with the creation of a dedicated campaign group Stop Wing New Town. 

Now though, Stewkley Parish Council have published a comprehensive letter outlining their objections, arguing that whilst the proposed development is located within Wing, "its impacts will extend well beyond the parish boundary and will be felt across neighbouring communities, including Stewkley".

They say they're particularly concerned the scale of development proposed would increase traffic movements across the wider rural road network. The Parish Council also raised concerns about increased noise and air pollution, loss of rural tranquillity and village character and increased demand on healthcare, education and other public services that serve the wider area.

They also claim these impacts would be experienced by communities "that would receive little direct benefit from the proposed development whilst nevertheless bearing many of its adverse consequences."

Notably, they also argue that the scale of development currently proposed "appears difficult to reconcile with the Diocese's stated commitments to environmental stewardship, sustainable communities, responsible land management and care for creation". They add that the Diocese's response to the proposal will be viewed "by many residents" as "a test of its commitment" to these values. 

Their full letter which can be found here (external), also calls for a Transport Assessment to be undertaken and sets out several "required mitigation measures" should the Diocese continue their support. 

In their announcement, the Parish Council also encouraged anyone who shares their concerns about proposed housing development in Wing to consider writing to the Diocese of Oxford, saying that "individual voice matter" and "a respectful email" outlining concerns "may help influence the Diocese’s decision-making".