A WILDLIFE haven in South Oxfordshire has had a masterplan for its future unveiled. The long-term vision for the popular Radley Lakes – the 326-acre area of former gravel quarries near Abingdon – was announced yesterday by Radley Lakes Trust charity. The masterplan is focussed on protecting wildlife and providing valuable green space for local people. It proposes new pedestrian and cycling routes from the nearby residential areas and safer parking for cars and bikes. Part of the area – Thrupp Lake – is already open to the public, and it has become increasingly popular with visitors in recent years, especially during lockdown. But a decade ago, the future of the area was not so bright-looking.
ONE of England s most elite private schools is looking to majorly expand its boarding house accommodation in a controversial move hugely protested by its neighbours and town councillors. Abingdon School, which has just over 1,000 boys from age 11-18, of which around 140 are boarder, says it needs new and improved living quarters as part of its masterplan to evolve .
Vale of White Horse District Council planning committee debated two applications made by the private school, which has recently been embroiled in two high-profile scandals. They include demolishing existing extensions to Austin House and Crescent House living quarters, remodelling them and erecting three-storey linked extensions.