MORE than 130 homes could be built in Botley following the completion of a major drain scheme.

Bovis Homes submitted a planning application to Vale of White Horse District Council for 136 houses off Lime Road, Botley.

The principle of development was approved in 2007 but Thames Water refused to allow work to start until a £7m drainage scheme was completed.

Sewer expansion work finished last summer, allowing work to start on about 20 other planning applications in Botley and Cumnor.

Bovis has now submitted final detailed plans, which will need council approval.

Despite the downturn in the housing market, the developer vowed to press ahead if it wins planning permission.

A spokesman said: “We would be looking to kick on with the delivery of these homes and associated infrastructure as soon as possible.”

Fifty-four houses – from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses – will be affordable.

The spokesman said the scheme would help “provide the affordable housing required for Oxford people.”

It includes £1.75m to improve local services and infrastructure including schools and the Willow Walk pedestrian link from Oxford to Botley.

North Hinksey and Wytham Liberal Democrat councillor Debby Hallett said: “I understand the need for more housing in this area in general, and more affordable housing in particular.”

Bovis said £134,891 would be given for play area maintenance and open space.

Fellow ward councillor, Conservative Eric Batts said: “The important thing is it is going to be 40 per cent affordable.

“It will bring some affordable homes in the area, which there has been a great lack of.”

About 3,500 people are on the Vale’s affordable housing waiting list, which is managed by the district council.

Mr Batts also said Lime Road is on the “excellent” 4A bus route though he acknowledged extra traffic will inevitably “cause problems”.

About five residents opposed the plan when it was considered in 2007 with concerns over traffic and loss of green land.

Lime Road resident Lisa Probert told the council this month she was concerned about the closeness of homes to her property and traffic.

This could hit its value and “ease with which we might sell the property” she said.

The site has long been earmarked for housing by the council, though it can refuse the scheme on design grounds.

For the open market homes, there would be 23 two-bedroom houses and apartments; 26 three-bedroom houses; 27 four-bedroom houses; five five-bedroom houses and one six-bedroom house.

The site has three homes with extensive gardens and new access would be from Lime Road.