CLICK HERE FOR LATEST NEWS...

Witney First is a group of local campaigners, who are trying to stand up for the people of Witney, in West Oxfordshire, against some poor decision making in local government. They are opposed to the building of the local council’s proposed Cogges Link Road (CRL) in the town and support the protection of the town’s green spaces.

The Cogges Link Road, connecting Witan Way to Oxford Hill, was approved by Oxfordshire County Council in 2009, following a long battle spearheaded by CPRE West Oxfordshire District.

In 2010, Witney First, with support from CPRE West Oxfordshire District, lodged an application for Town Green status for part of Witney Country Park; the application was intended to prevent the Cogges Link Road from being built on green land on the edge of Witney. The proposed CLR will destroy 30 acres of the Country Park. CPRE believe the loss of this recreational area, with its easy access and quiet tranquillity, would be extremely detrimental to the town.

Following a public inquiry, the application for Town Green status was rejected by a government planning inspector in September 2010.

The Oxfordshire Branch of CPRE has given the campaign considerable press coverage and publicity thereby helping them to raise the funds towards the legal costs of the Town Green application.

It now remains for the council to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order to the local landlowner, to enable the development of the road to progress. However, the landowner, Mr James Mall, who is reputed to be opposed to the scheme, is expected to refuse. If the funds for the road are not spent within 9 months the council will have to start the planning process all over again.

The public inquiry into the compulsory purchase of land for the Cogges Link Road, began on Thursday 22nd September. CPRE West Oxfordshire District made a representation at the Inquiry, putting forward the Shores Green option as an alternative to the Cogges Link Road scheme.