Swathes of objections have flooded in over plans to build new homes on a former playground in Kidlington. 

Applicant Ede Holdings Ltd has applied to build six homes on the site at Morton Close. 

The scheme, which has been submitted to Cherwell District Council, includes open space, landscaping and parking.

The site was previously the subject of a planning application for nine homes, submitted last year, but this was withdrawn. 

The proposal has proven controversial with local people objecting. A total of 14 objections have been received, including one from Kidlington Parish Council. 

Christopher Ross, of Morton Close, said: “In 2019 this park was closed by Ede Developments on the pretence that it was dangerous.

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Morton Close plans (Image: Cherwell District Council) “Many residents with young children at the time purchased the properties based on the attraction of a safe park at the end of the close. This made the houses most desirable and hence added value.

“The removal of this park will reduce the attraction for families with young children and hence reduce desirability with its related value.

“In addition to this, the proposed development will attract more traffic and hence more parking in the close and generally reduce what until now has been a quiet residential close with no through traffic.”

Ruth Spencer, also of Morton Close, added: “I moved to Morton Close in 2018 and the playground or green space was being used not only by the residents of Morton Close but also by the wider community of Kidlington this had been the case since 1960s. 

“In 2019 Builders Ede locked the playground therefore nobody has been able to use it. Since that time, it has become overgrown and a habitat for wildlife and wild vegetation. 

“I believe this development will have a negative impact on the environment and the health of the community taking away another much-needed green space.”

The objection from the parish council said: “Kidlington Parish Council objects to this proposal because of serious concerns about accessibility and insufficient parking on the site.

“The council wonders whether the whole development could be pushed further back on the site to allow for additional parking and amenity space.

“The council also has concerns about surface water drainage in an area which already suffers with surface water flooding.”

In the scheme's planning statement, it said: “The site has been historically occupied as a small area of play space associated with Morton Close, but this use ceased in 2019, due to the open space being unmanaged and overgrown.

"Due to falling into a state of disrepair, giving rise to health and safety concerns, the site is gated and inaccessible to any members of the public.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby