I am dismayed that the new version of Cherwell’s Local Plan offers up Gavray Meadows for housing. Despite a robust local campaign, a 1,500 signature petition and the support of national bodies like CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England), Butterfly Conservation and the local Wildlife Trust, our local councillors still do not recognise the environmental and ecological importance of this local wildlife site.

Gavray Meadows is part of the very small percentage of wetland meadow left in the country and has a very special ecology with rare species. It’s a jewel near to the heart of Bicester.

The new Local Plan designates 300 houses for this area and even more development to the east of Wretchwick Way. This would block the wildlife corridor that links Gavray Meadows with the River Ray Conservation Target Area, inevitably leading to decline and eventual demise of wildlife.

I recognise the challenge presented by the need to increase the housing numbers on the Local Plan to satisfy government-driven housing targets, but our council should not be allowing inappropriate development to destroy precious habitats – gone forever.

Our local councillors should be calling on the Planning Inspector to designate Gavray Meadows as a Local Green Space which will protect it from development and rethink plans that encroach on the Conservation Target Area.

Polly Foster, East Street Fritwell, Bicester

 

Today’s letters

 

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