RESIDENTS in West Oxfordshire are raising concerns over an Oxford University college’s plan to build a four-bedroom home in their neighbourhood.

Currently, residents in Elm Grove, Brize Norton use the piece of land to park their vehicles, however Christ Church wish to build a four-bedroom house on the land.

The planning application has annoyed residents, who are against the plans.

Claire White, a professional gardener, is one of those residents.

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She said: “Even though we’re self-isolating, news about the planning application went quickly round the neighbourhood.

“The college wants to build a four-bedroom house where it is currently a parking area used by the neighbourhood.

“Everyone is up in arms about it as we would have nowhere to park.”

Miss White said residents currently use the plot of land as a licensed parking facility, and have done for 40 years.

The 54-year-old, who has been a gardener for 10 years, continued: “It’s a really scrappy piece of land, so why do Christ Church need to build on it?

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“We’re annoyed it’s happening in lockdown and there won’t be a site visit.

“It will cause chaos on the road - it’s a fast road where idiots drive through at 60 miles an hour.

“The houses were all built in the 1920s so building a new one is not in keeping with the rest of the houses in the area.

“Also, the drains were built in the 1920s and they can’t handle it as it is right now.

“We don’t want it, it’s not right.”

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Miss White also highlighted that the road is used for buses and emergency services, which could pose further problems with regards to added congestion on the road.

James Lawrie, treasurer for Christ Church, said: “Christ Church takes very seriously comments from neighbours to the site in respect of the implications for parking.

“We are actively in touch with West Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the adjoining property owners to achieve a solution to the parking issue satisfactory to all parties.”

West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) is responsible for overseeing planning applications and making decisions on them.

A spokesperson for the council said: “This is a live planning application which is under consideration.

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“As part of that, we are listening to input from consultees and objectors and will determine the application having regard to all relevant factors.

“The decision will be published in due course in the normal manner.”

Upon publication, eight objections to the application have been made on the district council’s website.

The planning application can be accessed on the WODC website, using the application reference 20/00780/FUL.