07 July 2015, A significant strategic development opportunity in Wantage, central Oxfordshire, covering approximately 227 acres (92 hectares) with outline planning permission for up to 1,500 new dwellings and ancillary mixed use development and infrastructure, including the provision of a new link road to provide alternative connection for traffic movements avoiding the town centre, has come to the market through property consultants Carter Jonas and Kemp & Kemp.

The Crab Hill Development Area, owned by the Crab Hill Consortium, in Wantage is on the north-eastern flank of the town.  It is currently open agricultural land and outline planning permission has been approved for a residential development of up to 1,500 dwellings, to include the provision of a strategic link road between the A417 and the A338 Road, to be known as the Wantage Eastern Link Road, for an alternative connection for traffic to its town centre.  Planning has also been approved for: a new two form entry primary school, new employment space, a neighbourhood centre/community hub providing local retail, nursery care, and the potential for a pub/restaurant, and elderly care; a central park, and ancillary areas including equipped play space, public amenity areas, sports pitches and allotments.

James Bainbridge, head of planning & development, Carter Jonas, said:  “Our client has received positive feedback and support in the form of planning approval for the Crab Hill Development, which will provide new housing, helping to address the proposed growth within Wantage and the development of Science Vale UK, and the need to provide alternative connections for traffic to help avoid the town centre.  The most recent Employment Land Review estimates between 2012 and 2029 an increase of around 14,300 jobs in the Vale of White Horse, associated in part with an anticipated 16,000 new jobs identified within Science Vale.  We believe that Crab Hill has a major role to play in facilitating economic growth and delivery of new homes, contributing to central Oxfordshire’s continued growth.

[Crab Tree Development artists impression]

Chris Wilmshurst, head of development at Kemp & Kemp, agreed:  “These strategic development opportunities are rare, especially in super locations such as Wantage.  We have already received interest for Crab Hill from a range of potential buyers: from the national house builders, to investors and developers.”

The Crab Hill Development Area is offered for sale freehold with vacant possession by informal tender either as a whole, or a first phase comprising up to 450 dwellings.  The guide price is undisclosed.  Offers should be submitted in writing to Carter Jonas or Kemp & Kemp, by 12 noon on 25 September 2015.  Offers will be welcome from consortia where members of any consortium are identified.