New homes to be built on old school site

Barratt Homes has received planning permission to build on the land off School Close, in Downley, after successfully appealing when it was originally refused in May.

But a neighbour who led calls for more information about the site's future said the plan was for too many hourses.

Out of the 64 homes, which will include two, three and four bedroom terraced and detached houses, 19 will be affordable homes.

The community centre, which was built in the 1870s, will remain in its current position on the site, with the development built around it.

A new entrance and additional parking will also be created to the community centre.

Access to the new homes will be from both School Close and Turner's Field.

Michael O'Leary, managing director of Barratt Thames Valley, says: "We are delighted to have been given the green light for our development in Downley, which addresses a strong demand for quality family homes in the area."

The school relocated in 2002 to new premises in Faulkner Way.

Gary Barnes, who lives next to the development, set up a website devoted to the proposed site, after becoming frustrated by the lack of information he and others in the community was receiving.

He said he was fine with houses being built there but said the local plan had only earmarked 50 homes, not the 64 agreed.

When contacted by the Bucks Free Press, Mr Barnes was unaware the application had succeeded.

He said: "We were not being told anything about it and that has carried on. We have not received any notice that it has been approved.

"We are very disappointed really. The whole process of local planning and democracy has been undermined. There is absolutely no point in protesting."

His website, for the Downley Middle School Development Association, is at www.dmsda.co.uk.