January 2025 saw the final Stages of the Public Inquiry into Proposed Development on the green belt at Waterstock Golf Course. It is thanks to the funds donated to our Just Giving appeal along with funds raised in the village and by surrounding villages that enabled us to become a Rule 6 Party - the formal name for a third party in planning proceedings.

We made a very strong case against the development with the support of a barrister and many experts and volunteers – many of whom gave their time for free or at a discount. In her closing speech South Oxford District Council’s barrister referred to the “careful, dedicated and coordinated Rule 6 party, the Waterstock Parish Meeting.” And our barrister stated that “ ..[Waterstock Parish Meeting] has covered more issues and fielded more witnesses than perhaps any previous Rule 6 party anywhere.”

So we wanted to thank everyone who took the time to make a donation – it has definitely been put to good use. But now we have to wait. It could take up to two months before we get the Inspectors Decision. Thank you again for all your support, it has been invaluable!

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We need your help AGAIN to save the Waterstock Green Belt!

Greystoke, the developer whose application to concrete over the Waterstock Green Belt was refused by South Oxfordshire District Council, has appealed against this decision.

Now we've got to go to court to ensure SODC's decision is upheld - and stop the developer more than 100 acres of our countryside becoming an industrial park. To do that we need expert legal assistance - and your help!

What would this development mean for Waterstock, Holton, Wheatley, Tiddington, Ickford, Worminghall, Shabbington, Cuddesdon, Great Haseley and other local villages?

- Thousands more diesel trucks, van, and 24/7 HGVs on our roads. There would be a doubling of traffic on the already overloaded A418, and spillover onto surrounding roads such as the A329 and A40 which are already congested.

- Serious pollution in our communities, including to Chilworth House, a school for children with complex educational needs.

- Irreversible damage to a designated Local Wildlife Site that's home to otters, curlews and more than 100 other species (61 of which are on the UK's protected species list, and many red-listed). This development would also destroy more than 15,000 mature trees, which soak up ~320 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

- Loss of green sporting and recreational facilities, including a popular golf course and driving range. The Oxfordshire Way - a landmark public footpath - would be surrounded by concrete.

If lockdown taught us anything, it was the importance of green spaces for our health and wellbeing.

Please help protect this vital green space by donating now, and by writing to the Planning Inspectorate to let them know how you feel about this unwanted and unnecessary development before 9 July 2024.

Where to write: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk and enter 3343775 in the 'Search for a case' box. Then click 'Make representation' and submit your comments.

Or, you can write by post to: Tim Salter, Planning Inspectorate, Room 3J Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

Whatever you can donate, however little, will help. Thank you for your generosity!