LAND that was originally set aside for allotments could now become housing instead.

When planning permission was granted for housing association A2Dominion to build a 78 home development north of Mill Lane, Chinnor, plans initially included space for four allotment plots.

But now new plans have been lodged with South Oxfordshire District Council that would see two three bed homes built there instead.

It comes after discussions with the Chinnor Allotment and Garden Association who were reluctant to take on the management of the site, according to the application.

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A letter outlining the reasons for the change said the group were finding it increasingly difficult to let plots that have been neglected and wanted to concentrate on maintaining their current site rather than taking on any more responsibility. 

A2Dominion is arguing that there is therefore no demand for the proposed allotments and the presence of other parks and green spaces in the development mean they do not need to be replaced with another similar recreational facility. 

The company is, however, offering to include 10 new parking spaces which will serve the nearby school to relieve pressure on neighbouring streets during dropping off and picking up times. 

But the planning application has already attracted several complaints from local residents who claim it should remain as a green space.