Two months ago we drew attention to the stated desire of Bloxham School to share it’s Development Master Plan with stakeholders including local residents and local councils.

We also provided a link to that Master Plan to assist the school in facilitating such sharing.

It seems the Parish Council is concerned that the language in the introduction to the plan paints a picture of their possible blanket approval and they have made public a letter clarifying that this is not the case and that all planning aspects of the plan will be responded to objectively through the normal planning process.  A copy of that letter is reproduced below.

Like a number of organisations, Bloxham School plays a significant part in the history, econonomy and life of the village and like all organisations it needs to change and adapt to prevailing circumstances if it is to survive the pandemic and also resist the experience of at least 17 public schools of beng bought-out by overseas investors – mainly Chinese investors.

A school that is  not only viable but thriving is likely to benefit the village as a whole.

Equally the school needs to respect the ethos set out in the Bloxham Neighbourhood Plan with its vision of sustainable development as an ironstone village on the edge of the Cotswolds, steeped in history with a large medieval conservation area, one of the finest churches in the country along with many attractive landscape views from key points within the village and the public rights of way around it.

I.e. The role of the Parish Council is to support appropriate development that enhances our community and economy whilst respecting the village’s heritage and  rural roots.  Given enough will and wisdom, that aim should be achievable for both school and council.