Joint council representation at the table for public appeal hearing for Thames Farm

The public hearing for the planning appeal by Taylor Wimpey on three applications on Thames Farm has now been set for 24 March 2026 and the three local Councils (Henley Town, Harpsden and Shiplake Parishes) have obtained a ‘Rule 6’ status (representation at the enquiry to actively engage in the appeal process, provide a Statement of Case, proofs of evidence and cross examine).

The three councils have agreed to jointly fund the case (£20K each) and have appointed barrister Richard Banwell of Pump Court Chambers.

A Rule 6 party is afforded similar status and rights as the defending Local Planning Authority (SODC) in any inquiry, particularly in this case when SODC are defending the Planning Committee’s decision that over turned the Planning Case Officer’s recommendation to approve.

Thames Farm Action Group will be responsible for managing the processes for the Rule 6 Party as a whole, and for liaising with the three Councils.

Peter Boros from TFAG said, “We have retained the services for the inquiry of JBA Consulting, who have a long history with this matter, in acting for TFAG and also the Councils. Secondly we have  also retained Beverley Parrish of Parrish Environmental, as a expert, who has significant experience in dealing with groundwater/bore holes/contamination issues etc. Beverley also has a long and successful history/track record in planning appeals. An initial discussion has been held with SODC to ensure that both parties co-operate and do not duplicate what each is presenting to the inquiry.”

The hearing is due to last 8 days to review the three most recently rejected planning applications – undertake groundworks to enable it to stabilise the ground upon which it plans to develop houses, the revised drainage strategy and the detailed proposals thereof, and its application to vary the proposed layout of its development to create the space necessary for its drainage and other proposals.