Residents are being asked to come forward with ideas to help make North Hinksey a vibrant village for future years.

The organisers of the North Hinksey parish plan, which covers Botley, are looking for residents to make suggestions which will shape the area over the next fifteen years and help it deal with a potential influx of new families.

Planning applications have been submitted for 150 homes in Tilbury Lane and 130 homes on land south of Lime Road, and concern has been raised that local services, including doctors' surgeries and schools could be stretched.

Parish plan acting chairman Jenny Barker said: "So far we have spent a lot of time looking at what is here already, and how the parish could be affected with the increase in housing planned for the area. There are concerns over the impact that the increase in housing will have on schools and the doctors' surgery in the future.

"We already know the sewage system round here can not cope with any more houses being built."

Organisers are holding an open day for people to put their ideas forward for the plan at the Seacourt Hall from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, March 15.

Mrs Barker, of Southern Bypass Road, said it was important to hear views from residents in all corners of the parish, which is split by the A34 and the A420.

She said: "The fact that the parish is separated by major roads makes it harder to contact people in the community and makes it all the more important that residents from areas such as Harcourt Hill, Tilbury Lane and Raleigh Park Road, as well as anyone who uses the West Way Shopping Centre, comes forward and makes their opinions heard. We are looking for as many people to come forward with ideas as possible to help make the village a more vibrant place to live and work."

The final version of the parish plan will recommend future policies on transport, sport and leisure, education and youth services, the West Way shopping centre and facilities for senior citizens. The team behind the initiative is hoping that it will be completed by the end of December.