PLANS to replace a phone mast have led to residents raising concerns about the possible impact on their health. Telefonica, which owns O2, has submitted an application to remove a 23-metre mast in Eynsham and replace it with a 20-metre one, together with associated antennas, radio equipment cabinets and ancillary development works. Documents say this will provide improved Vodafone and new Telefonica services to the area, and could eventually lead to 5G services. However, locals have made their voices heard by objecting to the proposals in Witney Road. Ian Jackman said: “It is not right that this should be anywhere near residential homes, it should be sited out in fields and open spaces. We have a continuous humming all day and all night.”
By Megan Archer TOURISM in West Oxfordshire has received a welcome boost from afar after a glowing report from a Middle East delegation. A seven-strong party made up of TV representatives and social media influencers from Saudi Arabia and Dubai visited a handful of attractions in the district, and the Cotswolds, this month. They declared themselves bowled over by what they had seen. The group took in Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens near Burford, meeting lemurs and giant tortoises, before moving on to the Countryfile Live event in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock where they enjoyed rare breed animal displays and cookery demonstrations.
A COUNCILLOR has warned that a derelict pub shut for over 30 years could become ‘a pile of bricks’. Councillors recently made a major decision over the future of the Unicorn pub in Great Rollright, a Grade II listed building. West Oxfordshire District Council’s (WODC) cabinet met virtually on December 16 and decided to enter a legal agreement with the pub’s new owners, whereby the council will not take action on enforced sale or compulsory purchase of the property. Over the last 18 months, the pub, closed since 1991, has had new owners. However, in order to secure funding to carry out repairs, the council has been approached by the new owners and was asked to agree to a period of time during which it would not progress either an enforced sale application to the courts or an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
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If approved the latest alteration to their country pad in Great Tew, near the celebrity hotspot of Chipping Norton, would make the pond around half the size of a football pitch - and the whole family could enjoy a picnic on the island.
Neighbour Sue Jones, who has lived in the area for most of her life, has written a furious letter to the council.
She said: I must object in the strongest terms to this new proposal. I was an objector to the original plan and my concerns were ignored. I feel that his plan to enlarge the lake could increase the chances of flooding in the area considerably.
Beckhams embroiled in row with Cotswolds neighbours who claim monstrous lake could flood homes
David and Victoria Beckham defended plans, saying proposals will recreate classic English meadow scene
22 December 2020 • 3:19pm
Digging work on the lake
Credit: GoffPhotos.com
It is always best to remain on good terms with the neighbours, particularly if you are a global celebrity planning a series of improvements to your already grand home and garden.
Unfortunately David and Victoria Beckham have found themselves in deep water following months of friction with fellow residents in the Cotswolds village of Great Tew.
But the couple have now asked West Oxfordshire District Council if they can increase the size of the lake to 4,170 square metres with the addition of an artificial island, measuring 122 square metres.