Greedy Nephew Developer Destroys OAP's Green Vista

Ivy has lived in the same place since she was a child. For over ninety years she has enjoyed a peaceful and tranquil outlook over a green oasis in the heart of Northbourne.

Last summer developers ripped out the old orchard leaving a scene of destruction. No more will Ivy be awoken by the Song Thrush. Gone are the apples, pears, plums, blackberries and rasberries for Ivy's tea.

Originally, Ivy's nephew, wanted to develop an abandoned orchard behind Wessex Road, Didcot. Despite being a multi-millionaire, Robin Morgan of Hampshire wanted to bulldoze the orchard and replace it with ten cramped houses.

Robin Morgan gave the development task to Merrifields the local estate agents. Their plans were hampered by repeated opposition from all the surrounding residents. In frustration, the land was sold to Cranbourne Homes. The developer has put forward plans for ten houses on the site. The result will be the brick-wall of a house just a few feet from Ivy's tiny garden.

Three years ago plans were published to build two rows of houses on the old orchard. Four times South Oxfordshire District Council rejected the plans. Initially there was a minor reduction in the number of houses: first ten, then eight, then six. However, in November 2003 last year the Government's Planning Inspector overturned the Council's decision and approved the plans to build seven houses and refurbish a bungalow. This was not enough for the developer. The developer submitted plans for nine houses and was rejected. They have now increased the plans to ten houses.

Back in xxxx Ivy married xxxxxxxxx. As a wedding present her father-in-law gave the young couple the bungalow in Wessex Road. He also offered them part of the orchard as their garden. Sadly Ivy's husband suffered from a heart condition and they chose a smaller garden, preferring the view of the orchard. Little did Ivy and xxxxxx imagine the fate of the orchard xxxx-years on.

Cruel theives have already used the development as a ruse to trick their way into Ivy's home and steal her savings of £600.

The full history of the planning applications for this site:

21 March 2002
P02/W0244/O
Demolition of existing bungalow and outbuildings and erection of 10 dwellings.
18th September 2002 Application withdrawn prior to determination.

16 September 2002
P02/W0769/O
Demolition of outbuildings, refurbishment of existing bungalow, and erection of seven dwellings.
5th February 2003 Refusal of Outline Planning Permission by South Oxfordshire District Council.
6 November 2003 Government Inspector allows an appeal and overturns the Council's refusal to grant outline planning permission.

18 May 2004
Land sold to Cranbourne Homes Limited for £638,569.

15 July 2003
P03/W0638/O
Demolition of outbuildings. Refurbishment of existing bungalow. Erection of 5 Dwellings (as amended by drawing nos. W1047:05B and W1047:04B accompanying letter from Agent dated 12 September 2003).
17th November 2003 Application withdrawn prior to determination.

23 August 2004
P04/W0992
Demolition of bungalow and erection of nine dwellings with new access to rear part of site.
14th December 2004 Appeal against Non Determination.

10 May 2005
P05/W0538
Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 9 dwellings, access at 27 Wessex Road, Didcot.
28th July 2005 Refusal of Planning Permission by South Oxfordshire District Council.
25 August 2005 Appeal lodged against decision.

28 October 2005
P05/W1097
Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 10 dwellings and new access road at 27 Wessex Road, Didcot.