Est. by 24 founding neighbours

Protecting Little Tew's countryside, character & wildlife

We're a resident-led group working to conserve the natural and built environment of Little Tew, Oxfordshire — from its ancient meadows to its conservation area — for this generation and the next.

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Who we are

A village group rooted in Little Tew

Formed by 24 founding members, the Little Tew Conservation Group exists to promote and protect the natural and built environment of our village, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Our objectives

  1. 1

    Promote the conservation of the natural and built environment of Little Tew.

  2. 2

    Advocate for sustainable development practices that respect the village's character and heritage.

  3. 3

    Raise awareness of conservation issues within the community.

  4. 4

    Engage with the Parish Meeting, local authorities and other stakeholders to help prevent inappropriate development.

  5. 5

    Organise events, workshops and campaigns to support conservation efforts.

From the Committee

Planning & conservation news

A summary of recent submissions made on the Group's behalf, and the ecological surveys shaping how we care for the land around the village.

Planning & SSSI 5 February 2025

SSSI drainage concerns remain unresolved, ecologists warn

Independent ecologists Bioscan (UK) Ltd wrote to West Oxfordshire District Council raising continued concerns about application 24/01861/FUL (Land NW of Little Tew) and its potential impact on the Little Tew Meadows SSSI. While the applicant's revised ecology report conceded a number of errors — including previously mis-classified and under-valued grassland habitats — Bioscan found the applicant's own hydrology evidence acknowledges a likely groundwater link to the SSSI, with no field testing carried out and no clear plan for managing surface water, foul drainage or treatment-system failure so close to this nationally protected site.

Source: Bioscan (UK) Ltd, Stage 1 response to WODC · Ref DW/E2232/SE-L1

Planning 12 August 2024

Group objects to large self-build dwelling off Enstone Road

Acting on behalf of the Conservation Group, Chadwick Town Planning formally objected to application 24/01521/FUL: a self-build house, pool and pool house on open farmland at the southern gateway to the Little Tew Conservation Area. At 7,922 sq ft, the proposed dwelling is around eight times the size of the average UK home. The objection sets out conflicts with Local Plan and NPPF countryside policy, harm to Conservation Area views, loss of amenity for users of the public footpath crossing the site, and risk to the adjoining Little Tew Meadows SSSI.

Source: Chadwick Town Planning, representation to WODC · Ref ARI001/dc

Planning 17 September 2024

Neighbours renew objection to Chipping Norton Road scheme

A revised application (24/01861/FUL) for a large country house, stables courtyard, solar array, drainage works and a new lake on Chipping Norton Road drew a fresh objection from neighbouring landowners, closely echoing concerns already raised by the Conservation Group. The scheme closely resembles a previous proposal refused by the Council in December 2022 for failing to meet the exceptional design bar required for new countryside homes, and for harming the setting of the Conservation Area — concerns the Group considers remain unaddressed, alongside renewed risk to the Little Tew Meadows SSSI.

Source: Chadwick Town Planning, representation to WODC on behalf of Studio Richter Mahr

Good News & Wildlife FWAG habitat survey

Magpie Farm survey reveals rich wildflower meadows

A botanical and soil survey of grassland parcels at Magpie Farm recorded healthy populations of Lowland Meadow indicator species — including bird's-foot trefoil, knapweed, salad burnet, great burnet and dropwort — with several fields already qualifying for the Priority Habitat Inventory. The report sets out a positive path forward through careful grazing and, where needed, seed introduction, alongside a proposed Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme — a hopeful example of nature-friendly land management on the doorstep of the village.

Source: FWAG farm ecology & soils survey, Magpie Farm, Little Tew

Every voice helps

Help us keep Little Tew special

Whether it's joining as a member, coming along to the AGM, or simply staying informed so you can add your voice when it matters — there's a place for you in the Group.

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