Cllr. Mark Hoskins

06/09/2026

From a councillors point of view decisions are rarely two dimensional, there are many aspects, consequences and opinions to consider.
The horse chestnut tree next to the Coach and Horses has a long history and is much loved but, unfortunately it has reached the last irresistible chapter of its life and needs to be felled.
See the link below to further understand the facts and reasoning behind this sad decision.
To cut to the chase, significant cost and resources will increasingly be necessary to prolong the tree’s decline. Each year that passes will come with a degree of extra risk, a degree of extra cost and a degree of extra liability.
In the event of any harm coming to person or property it would be Wallingford Town Council who would be liable and how would the council defend itself for not carrying out appropriate action in the face of expert advice?
Partings of the way are always sad but death is, unfortunately, part of life.

These are my own observations and not spoken on behalf of the council.
I’m sure there will be effective communications from the office this week; in the meantime do follow the link below.

The Horse Chestnut tree on the Kine Croft has been part of Wallingford’s landscape for generations. It has provided shade, marked the changing seasons and formed the backdrop to countless community events, family photographs and everyday moments. For many residents, it is one of the town’s most ...

02/09/2026

Surely the most important issue of a generation?

WHAT COULD WALLINGFORD LOSE?

The proposed development on land north of Wallingford, west of Shillingford Road, isn’t simply about building more houses.

It could have lasting consequences for our town, our roads, our schools, our local services and our quality of life.

The strength of opposition to this proposal is clear:

❌ The development is not supported by Wallingford Town Council.

❌ Planning permission was refused by South Oxfordshire District Council.

❌ More than 1,000 residents submitted objections to the scheme.

❌ The site was assessed and rejected for development through BOTH the agreed Joint South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Local Plan and the Wallingford Neighbourhood Plan.

Yet the developer has appealed, and the proposal will now be considered at a Planning Inquiry.

So why does this matter to people living in Wallingford?

🚗 More traffic on already busy roads. The development would add more vehicle movements to approaches into Wallingford and through Shillingford, increasing pressure on a road network that already experiences congestion.

🏫 More pressure on our schools. There are concerns about the capacity of local schools to accommodate additional pupils, potentially forcing more children to travel to Didcot or elsewhere for their education – adding still more journeys to our roads.

🏥 More demand on local infrastructure and services. A significant development means additional pressure on the facilities and services that a growing population depends upon, including healthcare and other local provision.

💧 More pressure on sewage and wastewater infrastructure. There are already serious concerns about capacity in the area, alongside the poor bathing water status in Wallingford. Further development risks adding to those pressures.

🏘️ And potentially much more development to come. There are concerns that allowing development here could make it harder to resist further development of farmland around Wallingford, including land towards Wantage Road, potentially opening the door to proposals for up to 1,500 additional homes.

🌾 Loss of valuable agricultural land. Once farmland is developed, it is gone. The proposal would also have consequences for the rural landscape surrounding Wallingford.

🌳 Impact on our countryside, wildlife and biodiversity. Development would affect habitats and the rural setting adjoining the North Wessex Downs National Landscape (AONB).

Wallingford has already delivered more than its required housing allocation. This isn’t about saying that homes should never be built. It is about making sure development happens in the right places, with the roads, schools, healthcare, sewage capacity and other infrastructure needed to support it.

Wallingford deserves a strong voice at the Planning Inquiry.

Wallingford Town Council has committed £15,000 of public funds, but the specialist planning, highways, environmental and other professional expertise needed to present the strongest possible case is expected to cost around £25,500.

That leaves a potential £10,500 funding gap.

Every £10, £25, £50 or larger contribution helps us put forward a properly evidenced case and ensure the concerns of our community are heard.

💚 Please donate. Please share. Please help us protect Wallingford’s future.

👉 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-protect-wallingfords-future

More than 1,000 people have already made their voices heard. Now we need your help to make sure those voices are heard at the Planning Inquiry.

Together, we can help protect Wallingford’s future.

05/08/2026

Given the strength of feeling across our community this is an important step.
Please bear in mind that this is a serious step which will require a lot of commitment from our officers and collaborators who will be working hard for the best possible outcome for Wallingford.

Wallingford Town Council Granted Rule 6 Party Status

Wallingford Town Council is pleased to confirm that the Planning Inspectorate has granted the Council Rule 6 Party Status for the Public Inquiry into the proposed development on land west of Shillingford Road.

This is an important step, as it means the Town Council will be able to take an active role in the Inquiry, ensuring that the interests of Wallingford and its residents are fully represented. As a Rule 6 party, the Council can submit evidence, present its case, question witnesses and contribute directly to the Inquiry alongside the other main parties.

The Council has consistently objected to the proposed development and considers that it has a distinct and legitimate interest in matters affecting Wallingford, including the impact on local infrastructure, transport, community facilities, the environment, and compliance with the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and the Wallingford Neighbourhood Plan.

This decision recognises the important role that Wallingford Town Council can play in assisting the Planning Inspector during the Public Inquiry.

The Inquiry is scheduled to begin in January 2027. Between now and then, the Council will be preparing its Statement of Case and supporting evidence. We will continue to keep residents informed as the appeal progresses.

We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to engage with this process. The Council remains committed to ensuring that Wallingford's voice is heard throughout the Inquiry. If you would like to make an individual representation, please visit https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6011175 before Monday 10th August 2026.

23/07/2026

Tough day at the office.

Kine Croft Horse Chestnut — An Update

It is with real sadness that we share our intention to remove the historic Horse Chestnut tree on the Kine Croft.

For generations, this tree has been a familiar part of Wallingford's landscape and has been part of the lives of countless residents and visitors. We know how much it means to our community, which is why this has been an incredibly difficult decision.

Over a number of years, the tree has been closely monitored by qualified arboricultural specialists and has undergone several professional inspections, including specialist internal decay-detection surveys. Despite earlier remedial pruning to help prolong its life, the findings have consistently shown that it is in long-term, irreversible decline, with more recent signs of disease.

As the landowner, Wallingford Town Council has a legal duty of care to protect public safety. The tree stands within one of the town's busiest public open spaces, close to neighbouring homes. Given its deteriorating condition and the potential consequences should it fail, we have reluctantly reached the point where it can no longer be retained safely.

As the tree is located within a Conservation Area, formal consent is required before any work can take place. An application has therefore been submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council, and no work will be carried out until that process has been determined.

We've created a dedicated webpage where you can find out more about the tree, the reasons behind this decision and what happens next: https://www.wallingfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/horsechestnut/

Thank you for your understanding.

21/07/2026

Always fun to get together and make a difference.

Could you spare a couple of hours to help make Wallingford an even better place?

We're exploring a new community volunteering initiative and we'd love to hear what you think.

The idea is simple: bring together people who care about Wallingford for regular sessions to help with practical tasks such as tidying public spaces, weeding, planting and other small projects that can make a big difference to the appearance of our town.

Before we develop the idea any further, we want to hear from residents, existing volunteer groups and anyone who might be interested in getting involved.

Would you be interested?

• What sorts of activities would you enjoy taking part in?
• How often do you think sessions should take place?
• What would encourage you to volunteer?

Leave a comment below or send us a message. We'd love to hear your ideas.

Because every town has heroes. Some wear uniforms. Some simply bring a pair of gloves.

09/07/2026

Give us back the WOW factor!!

Help Support the Relaunch of Window on Wallingford

One of Wallingford's longest-running community publications is preparing to return – and local residents are being invited to help make it happen.

Window on Wallingford, the town's free community magazine, has been informing and connecting local people since 1962. Produced and delivered entirely by volunteers, the publication has been a familiar part of community life for generations.

Following a period where the volunteer team reduced to just two people – editor Chris and the magazine's mascot, Wowly – a new group of enthusiastic local volunteers has come together with the aim of bringing the magazine back.

The team has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £1,500 to cover the production costs of the relaunch edition. The campaign is being run under the umbrella of Wallingford for All CIC, providing full accountability for the fundraising.

Whether you're able to make a donation or would like to get involved as a volunteer, every contribution will help support the return of this much-loved community publication.

If you'd like to find out more, support the campaign or make a donation, simply scan the QR code on the campaign poster or visit the crowdfunding page: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/window-on-wallingford-relaunch

The organisers are also keen to hear from anyone who would like to join the volunteer team. You can get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Wallingford Town Council wishes the team every success with the relaunch and looks forward to seeing Window on Wallingford back in print, continuing its long tradition of celebrating everything that makes our community special.

22/06/2026

Had the privilege of attending Edna’s 100th birthday party today with the wonderful community at Westgate House.
Not only did Edna achieve this milestone but she also completed her 100th lap of their lovely garden, which she did in order to raise funds to take her friends and fellow residents on a special day out.
Having spoken to many people this afternoon this act sums up Edna’s selfless personality.
Happy birthday Edna and thank you for letting me share your very special day.

13/06/2026

Pop along to Wallingford Sports Park to see what it’s all about!

Don't forget to Like, Follow & Share our page 😁

12/05/2026

Delighted to present Wallingfords new Mayor, Cllr. Nigel Hughes, and honoured to act as his deputy for the upcoming year.

Last night, Wallingford Town Council held the town’s traditional Mayor Making ceremony at the historic Town Hall, where Cllr Nigel Hughes was formally elected as Mayor of Wallingford for the 2026–2027 municipal year, with Cllr Mark Hoskins appointed as Deputy Mayor.

The meeting was attended by local dignitaries, several past Mayors of Wallingford, along with the outgoing and incoming Mayor’s Cadets, all coming together for this important and long-standing date in the Wallingford civic calendar.

The meeting was opened by the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Ros Lester, who reflected on her year in office and thanked those who had supported her throughout it, including Deputy Mayor Cllr Christine Sandall, fellow councillors, her cadets, her husband and High Steward of Wallingford Ken Lester, and the Town Council office team for their hard work and support over the past year.

Following the formal nomination, seconding and vote by councillors, Cllr Hughes was elected Mayor of Wallingford. The outgoing and incoming Mayors then retired from the Council Chamber to exchange robes before Cllr Hughes returned to take over proceedings as Mayor.

In his first speech as Mayor, Cllr Hughes thanked Cllr Lester for her dedicated service and clear passion for Wallingford, reflecting on the many years they have served together on the Council. He also paid tribute to past councillors and mentors who helped shape the Council and its strong tradition of public service.

Looking ahead to the year ahead, the Mayor highlighted a number of key priorities for the Council, including progressing the Bull Croft Play Park project, finding a realistic path forward for the Regal Centre, and supporting much-needed renovations to the historic Town Hall to ensure it continues to serve the community for generations to come.

Cllr Hughes also spoke about the importance of Wallingford’s community groups, volunteers and residents, stating his commitment to supporting the people and organisations that make the town such a strong and vibrant community.

Congratulations to Mayor Nigel Hughes and Deputy Mayor Mark Hoskins on their appointments.