“Victory for Common Sense” as Inspector Confirms Site is Not “Grey Belt”

The communities of Waterstock and surrounding villages are celebrating after the Planning Inspector dismissed a major proposal to build a vast Science and Technology Park on the Waterstock Golf Club site, setting a strong precedent for future applications in the Green Belt which is under increasing threat from the new ‘grey belt’ definition.

The decision ends nearly a year of uncertainty for Waterstock and neighbouring villages, who fought the plans by corporate developer Greystoke.

Campaigners argued that the scheme would have destroyed more than 100 acres of precious Green Belt, threatening Waterstock’s Conservation Area, its Local Wildlife Site, The Oxfordshire Way, widely-used footpaths and bridleways, and the much-loved golf course.

Henry Manisty, who coordinated the local opposition, called the decision a “victory for common sense”, highlighting the fact that the site would be totally car-dependent, with no realistic transport or housing links, and right next to already dangerous junctions.

South Oxfordshire District Council had rejected the original application on 17 separate grounds, but warned that speculative appeals place huge financial strain on small communities and called for a mechanism for recovery of costs.

Crucially, the Inspector also confirmed that the site is Green Belt, not so-called “Grey Belt”. CPRE Oxfordshire’s Michael Tyce, a Waterstock resident and member of the defence team, welcomed the finding: “We are particularly grateful for the Inspector’s important determination that, under the Government’s recently revised Planning Guidance, the site is Green Belt, rather than Grey Belt, and so entitled to the full protection that Green Belt status has always given. This is because of the harm that development of the site would have caused to Waterstock’s Conservation Area and to four listed buildings, including the iconic Bow Bridge on the Oxfordshire Way”

Waterstock Parish Meeting Chair Rob Arthur praised the “David vs Goliath” effort of villagers, neighbouring communities and more than 400 objectors who wrote in, walked, spoke and donated to the campaign. Thanks were extended to the River Thame Conservation Trust, local representatives, and SODC’s planning officers for their “professionalism and dedication”.

The ruling ensures that Waterstock’s rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems continue to be safeguarded, as well as ensuring the golf course, riding school, listed buildings and cherished public footpaths — including The Oxfordshire Way — remain protected for future generations.