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Stonesfield nursery demolition planned for rental homes

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Stonesfield Pre School and Daycare moved into a refurbished classroom of the village primary school last year, leaving its late-20th century building and playground empty.

The site is reportedly unused except for “informal parking” and could be demolished for redevelopment under recent proposals.

It is impacted by a “large number” of trees, and the village is a conservation area.

The location is owned by the Stonesfield Community Trust, a registered charity and one of the first community land trusts in the UK, founded in 1983, which owns several properties in the village.

Plans say the trust rents its homes at “affordable rates to people who were born in, or live in the village or people who have immediate family members living in the village”.

It owns 15 properties and wants to expand this with a three-home terrace holding a one-bed, two-bed and three-bed on the nursery site.

The proposal states that the charity has “a large waitlist, especially for larger properties (3 bedroom+) for use by families”, adding that this “helped inform the proposal”.

The plans state: “The proposal is for a sustainable solution which balances competing needs to achieve a proposal that will allow for affordable housing to be provided which is in keeping with the aesthetic, massing and atmosphere of the locale whilst meeting the technical housing space standards and other policy requirements.”





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Crime & Safety

Witney – arrest made after major 999 Corn Street presence

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Police and the ambulance and fire services were all called to Corn Street on Tuesday morning, May 26.

Witnesses suggested there was a “hostage” situation in a flat, with police tape cordoning off part of the pavement and road.

Meanwhile, a police car was stationed at the ends of the road to block off access during the incident.

LIVE UPDATES: Street cordoned off amid major emergency services presence

The incident lasted for several hours, with officers on scene unable to specify how long the road would be closed.

Thames Valley Police’s spokeswoman said there was “no threat” to the wider public before adding: “This was a fear for welfare incident with no threat to the public that has now been safely resolved with one arrest made.

“Temporary cordons and road closures will be lifted shortly. We would like to thank the public for their patience and support.”

We have asked the force for details on the arrest.

Family-run Corn Street cafe Café Marada 39 said staff had to close the shop due to the incident.

It will remain closed for the rest of the day, with a spokesman saying: “Emergency services have temporarily restricted access to our buildings making it impossible for us to open.”

The shop is expected to reopen on Wednesday as usual.





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Government gives new UK forest given £7.5m funding boost

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The new forest, which will be in either the Midlands or north England, is expected to be between 200 and 600 square miles.

It will focus on supporting healthy communities, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

It will be one of three new national forests in England which Labour pledged to establish in its manifesto.

READ MORE: Film producer selling £6.5m mansion in favour of £15m Cotswolds pad

On Monday, the department announced the Government had committed up to £7.5 million over a five-year period to support the forest and called for delivery partners to submit bids to help deliver the new project.

The funding forms part of the Government’s commitment to invest more than £1 billion this parliament in tree planting and to support the forestry sector.

The first of the new forests was announced in March last year, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips in the west of England.

Planting has already begun here, with the project expected to see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050, the department said.

READ MORE: Tributes as police find dead body in public toilets on bank holiday

Another new forest has been planned for the Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) corridor.

Nature minister Mary Creagh said: “In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and after the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest we’re looking for England’s newest forest in the Midlands or North.

“Too many communities can’t access the green spaces that benefit mental and physical health.

“This new national forest will help change that, and I encourage every eligible organisation with the vision and expertise to come forward.”

Officials said the forests would boost communities and drive economic growth, while enhancing nature and bringing trees and woodlands closer to where people live.





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‘Much-loved’ Henley rower died at home, inquest opening hears

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Sarah Girling, who lived in Henley, died at her home on May 4.

An inquest was opened into the 59-year-old teacher’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court by area coroner Nicholas Graham on May 19.

According to the inquest documents, Ms Girling was found deceased with no lifesaving opportunities. Her cause of death remains under investigation.

The case was adjourned for a full inquest to take place at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on August 18 at 2pm.

READ MORE: Oxford congestion charge £5m spend – fears for ‘seriously affected’

In a post on the Henley Rowing Club website, it said: “Sarah was a much-loved member of Henley Rowing Club – a lively, supportive and generous presence both on and off the water.

“She was always a pleasure to row with, always ready with encouragement, and always happy to share her knowledge and passion for the sport with others.

Sarah Girling (Image: Henley Rowing Club)

“At Henley Rowing Club, Sarah enjoyed success at many regattas, including two gold medals at the British Masters Championships and a memorable victory at Henley Masters Regatta – achievements of which she was immensely proud.

“She deeply valued the community and friendships she found at HRC, and in turn became an important part of the fabric of the club itself.

“Her trademark beaming smile, positivity and constant support of others carried both her and her crews through many demanding moments over the years.

“She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege to know and row alongside her.”





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