COUNCILLORS approved plans to build 160 homes in Eynsham despite staunch objection from within the village.
On Monday West Oxfordshire councillors voted to approve plans to build the homes on the site, which will be accessed via Thornbury Road, despite fears over infrastructure and the amount of places at Eynsham Primary School.
The plans had received dozens of letters of objection from residents, with most feedback relating to access to the site. Congestion is known to build twice daily on Witney Road, which Thornbury Road turns onto, as a result of drop-offs and collections at St Bartholomew's School
Resident Peter James, of Witney Road, had raised concerns about Thornbury Road being used for access to the development site.
He said: “I find it incredible that access to the proposed development is via Thornbury Road.
"Anyone who has witnessed the chaos when approximately 10 coaches, taxis and private vehicles are all descending on the layby opposite Thornbury Road and in Witney Road for up to an hour twice a day would assess the last thing to add to this would be even more traffic.
“An incomplete zebra crossing with no beacons has also been introduced. This, coupled with the public transport services, is a recipe for even more chaos.”
Ian Middleton, of Willows Edge, warned of the danger of additional traffic in close proximity to the school.
He said: "It is certain that the risk of serious accident and injury will increase considerably outside the school if there is any increase in traffic from Thornbury Road."
Parish and district councillor Peter Emery raised concerns of Thornbury Road's capability to take on further traffic, as well as issues regarding places at the local primary school.
He said: “I question whether Thornbury Road is capable of taking so many additional cars.
“Another concern is that the primary school in the village is full. Oxfordshire County Council suggested using buses to take pupils to alternative schools in Cassington and Hanborough, which is crazy.
“Children of that age should be able to walk to school with their parents.”
The news of the development off Thornbury Road comes on the back of revisions to the district’s Local Plan, now out for public consultation, which has proposed extra 3,200 homes in and around the village before 2031.
A meeting in Eynsham Village Hall on Monday, December 5, will let residents quiz WODC, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council leaders on the village’s role in the revised plan.
The meeting will begin at 7.30pm.
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