Option SEA2

This site covers an area of around 17 hectares and could only accommodate around 380 to 500 dwellings. As identified above, it is likely that a scheme in this location would be relatively low density and therefore a scheme would be likely to generate a supply of housing in the region of the lower estimate. This site area is therefore too small and a larger site should be identified.

The Council comment that the impacts of increased traffic movement on Oxford Road would need to be carefully considered. It should be noted that development in this location could be accessed off Ashingdon Road and Oxford Road. Furthermore, the proposed bus access route and turning circle as part of the 'East Ashingdon' proposals would result in a decrease in vehicular movements, particularly buses, along Oxford Road.

The Council also comments that it would be difficult to create a defensible green belt boundary. It is submitted in response that the eastern side of the site follows an existing field boundary which would be enhanced with further planting and that the southern boundary could also be carefully screened and designed to minimise impact. However, as identified above, increasing the site area would increase the opportunity to create a defensible green belt boundary.