Chinnor Village Centre has asked Santa Claus to visit our parish and he’s coming on Friday 15th December between 1800 and 2000hrs.

He’s visiting Kingston Blount only as his sleigh is said to have difficulty navigating Aston Rowant’s lanes.

If you’re able to help Santa on his rounds, please click on the link below and select the relevant day to offer to help out.

https://signup.com/go/EtTsyLF

There is also a QR code for donations this year – see below.

Aston Rowant Parish and Thame and Wheatley Ramblers New Year walk is open to anyone who can walk 6.5 miles.

It’s on Sunday 7 January 2024, meeting at 10.00 am promptly at the side of Mercure Thame Lambert in Aston Rowant OX49 5SQ.

Please park along the quiet road at the side of the hotel.

This is a circular leisurely walk through the Aston Rowant Nature Reserve and over Bald Hill, through the Wormsley Estate and returning through Lewknor. We expect to be back by 13.00. There are two hills, some outstanding views and only one stile.

There will be some mud, but we’ve chosen the driest route for this time of year. Walking boots or walking shoes are recommended.

You could finish with lunch at the Lambert Hotel. However you do need to book with the hotel. Another alternative would be to have lunch or a drink and a snack at the Leathern Bottle in Lewknor where no booking is required.

No booking is required for the walk. Please – no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

Peter Hetherington

07767 647714

The appeal from developers for 150 houses in Chinnor along the Thame Road has been dismissed.

The inspector walked around the locality and disagreed with the developer’s assertions.

He said: “to conclude on this case, I have found significant harm to the character of the landscape and a very marked adverse visual impact which both merit significant negative weight. Moderate negative weight is to be attached to the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land. When these are combined with the conflict with the development plan, I find that the adverse impacts of these considerations would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the appeal proposal, when assessed against the Framework as a whole. Accordingly, the appeal is to be dismissed.”

Interestingly, the inspector calculates a 3.49-year land supply for SODC, not the five years it needs to fight off developers.

See: https://www.chinnorparishcouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/120/2023/11/Appeal-Decision-3323268.pdf

Another five historic images of the parish have been uploaded.

See: https://www.astonrowantparishcouncil.gov.uk/historic-images/