NEARLY 400 homes have been approved by ministers in a move described by Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry as the “most disappointing” affecting the constituency in his 30 years in the post.

Government ministers have overturned the refusal of four planning applications by Cherwell District Council.

They are 145 homes east of Bloxham Road; 85 in Milton Road, Bloxham; 70 homes near Bourne Lane, Hook Norton; and 75 off Barford Road in Bloxham.

Conservative Sir Tony, right, said the decision by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles “runs roughshod over any concept of localism or elected local councillors”.

Major estates should be agreed through the council’s local plan blueprint, currently in its final stages, he said.

He said: “In effect, the Secretary of State is saying that where housing is built is determined entirely by which developers are first in getting in their planning applications.

“I could have a better understanding of the decision if Cherwell was in any way being resistant to new housing and encouraging new housing development, but exactly the opposite is the case.”

Mr Pickles said the four were “sustainable developments which would make a significant contribution towards addressing the undersupply of housing in the district”.