CHERWELL District Council officers are closely monitoring the building site of a new housing estate in a village near Bicester after work started without complete permission.

Housebuilder Mulberry Homes started construction work at the beginning of November at its latest development in Launton.

It was later revealed that some of its planning condition applications were not given the greenlight by Cherwell District Council before building started.

ALSO READ: Mulberry Homes starts building before Cherwell council approves planning conditions

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One of the issues was that Mulberry’s proposed ground levels were too high.

The council therefore asked it to stop construction work before more enforcement was imposed, which it did.

Now the developer has submitted new applications to discharge the planning conditions which will take at least eight weeks to be determined and has been working with the council to resolve problems.

Mulberry is still however restricted with what work can get underway.

A council spokesperson said: “Cherwell District Council officers have secured agreement in principle over some of the outstanding matters, and have requested that one part of the site be kept free of construction pending an ongoing discussion about the final ground levels.

ALSO READ: 'Luxury' homes built in Launton near Bicester despite council refusal

“The developer has been responsive to the council’s requests to date and officers will continue to monitor activity on site closely to ensure it does not go beyond what has been permitted.”

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Situated on Blackthorn Road, the estate called Launton Mews will be home to a range of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses.

The project was approved on appeal after being refused by the council back in 2017.

Residents were also against the plan with 175 letters of objection submitted.

Concerns included the fact that there was an increased flood risk and drainage issues in the village, the development would lead to increased traffic and would not be in keeping with the character of the village.

Ian Sadler, managing director for Mulberry Homes said: “We are continuing to work closely and positively with Cherwell District Council to resolve the outstanding queries.”

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