Help Protect Wallingford’s Future

Aim

Stand with Wallingford. Help fund our community's case at the Planning Inquiry for the proposed Shillingford Road North development.

Help Protect Wallingford's Future

Wallingford is facing a major planning appeal relating to the proposed development of land on the north side of Wallingford, west of Shillingford Road.

Full details of the planning application, including the submitted plans and supporting documents, can be viewed on the South Oxfordshire District Council planning portal under application reference P24/S3481/O.

The proposal could have a significant and lasting impact on Wallingford and the surrounding communities, including housing numbers, traffic and transport, pressure on local infrastructure and services, the landscape and character of the area, biodiversity and recreational provision.

A significant number of local residents have already expressed concerns and objections to the proposed development. While there will, of course, be differing views within the community, Wallingford Town Council believes it has an important role in ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of local residents, businesses and communities are properly represented through the planning process.

That is why we are asking for your help.

Working together to make a difference

Wallingford Town Council is coordinating a Rule 6 Party, working alongside members of the Wallingford Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group, representatives of neighbouring communities and others who wish to contribute.

Becoming a Rule 6 Party gives us the opportunity to bring together local knowledge, evidence and expertise and present a focused case directly to the Planning Inspector at the Planning Inquiry, which will be held over two weeks in January 2027.

The Planning Inquiry is an important opportunity for the local community to ensure that the potential impacts of the proposed development are properly examined.

Wallingford Town Council is well placed to help coordinate the community's response and bring together the views and evidence of residents, businesses, community organisations and neighbouring parishes.

Our aim is not simply to oppose development because it is proposed. It is to ensure that the Planning Inspector has access to the best available local evidence and fully understands the potential cumulative impact of the proposal on Wallingford and the surrounding communities.

By working together, we can make sure that local knowledge and concerns are properly considered as part of the planning process.

Wallingford Town Council is already contributing

The Town Council recognises the importance of ensuring that the local community is properly represented at the Planning Inquiry.

We have therefore already committed £15,000 from available public funds, outside the Council's original budget provision, towards the Planning Inquiry.

These are public funds entrusted to the Town Council by the local community, and we believe it is important to use them to support the community's representation in this significant planning matter.

However, participating fully in a Planning Inquiry can involve significant additional costs, particularly where specialist planning, highways, environmental and other professional advice is required.

The anticipated professional and appeal-related costs are £25,500.

With the Town Council already committing £15,000, this leaves a potential shortfall of £10,500.

We are therefore asking residents, businesses, community organisations and others who wish to support the case to consider making a voluntary contribution towards these additional costs.

Why do we need your help?

Taking part in a Planning Inquiry is a significant undertaking.

It requires specialist planning advice, preparation of evidence and professional support to ensure that the concerns and evidence of Wallingford and the surrounding communities are properly presented.

These costs were not anticipated when the Council originally set its budget, and additional support is needed if the community is to have access to the full level of professional expertise required for the challenge ahead.

This Crowdfunder is an opportunity for the wider community to work together and help ensure that local voices are properly represented.

Timeline and key milestones

The Planning Inquiry will take place in January 2027, but the work to prepare our case needs to begin well before then.

• August–September 2026 – evidence gathering and specialist support commissioned.
• Autumn 2026 – technical evidence and the Rule 6 Party's case prepared.
• By November 2026 – aim to have the additional funding in place.
• January 2027 – Planning Inquiry.

The earlier we raise the funds, the more effectively we can plan and secure the professional expertise needed to prepare a strong, properly evidenced case.

This is about our community having a voice

The case put to the Planning Inquiry by the barrister representing the Rule 6 group will focus on matters where local knowledge and evidence can add value, including:

• the cumulative impact of housing development
• highways, traffic and transport
• pressure on local infrastructure and services
• the relationship between the proposed development and Wallingford
• landscape and the character of the area
• biodiversity and environmental considerations
• recreational and community facilities.

The purpose is to ensure that these issues are properly evidenced and presented to the Planning Inspector so that they can be given appropriate consideration as part of the appeal.

Every contribution will help

Our aim is to raise up to £10,500 towards the additional professional and appeal-related costs.

Whether you are able to contribute £10, £25, £50 or more, every contribution will help towards the costs of preparing and presenting the case.

We recognise that not everyone will be against the proposed development, and there may be residents and businesses who support it.

This appeal is about ensuring that the Planning Inspector hears and properly considers the evidence and views of the communities affected by the proposal.

What happens to the money raised?

Funds raised through this Crowdfunder will be ring-fenced for costs directly associated with the Planning Inquiry.

Wallingford Town Council will retain responsibility for the administration and accountability of the funds raised and will provide an appropriate update on the money received and how it has been used.

Please support our campaign

Wallingford Town Council is working with residents, community representatives and neighbouring communities to ensure that the local voice is properly represented in this important planning process.

If you believe that local residents, businesses and communities deserve the opportunity to have their concerns and evidence properly heard and considered, please consider making a voluntary contribution.

Together, we can make sure that local voices are properly represented in the planning process.

Every contribution, whatever the amount, can help.

Please donate today and help us ensure we can put forward a strong, properly evidenced case at the Planning Inquiry.

Thank you for your support.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 18th November 2026 at 2:13pm