This is a large site of nearly 2 hectares situated to the north of Cookes Road and part adjacent to the village hall. Under the Joint Core strategy it was proposed development to the south of Cookes Road (BER1), now known as Hawthorn Drive should have an extended development boundary to the north of Cookes Road from the village hall to the pond belonging to Washingford Barn. Following an objection raised at the public enquiry the Independent Government Inspector ruled that the extended development boundary should be expunged because of the heritage value of the land to the north of Cookes Road. Nothing has occurred since to improve the status of this site as suitable for development.
Site forms part of centuries old parkland which extends for over 1km on the north side of Threadneedle Street and Cookes Road from Bergh Apton Manor to Washingford House. The site is adjacent to Washingford Barn, a listed building and was originally within the curtilage of this property. The land for the village hall being given to the village as a kind donation.
No planning permission has ever been given for any modern housing to the north of Cookes Road
Cookes Road is a single track at this point with no passing places and further development would exacerbate traffic issues.
It is a greenfield site.
Nearest school is over 1 mile away and there is no safe route to it, the roads are mainly narrow and there are no pathways.