Widespread support has been received for major plans to build 45 homes, a community hall, and a new primary school in a village on the outskirts of Didcot.

Long Wittenham Parish Council want to develop the land off Didcot Road into a collective ‘community hub which would act as an extension to the village.

This would feature 45 homes – the bulk of which would be family homes – a new hall with a cafe, shop and performance space, and a new primary school that would accommodate 100 pupils and have playing fields and a nursery.

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The plans would also see the current village hall and primary school - Long Wittenham Church of England Primary School - turned into homes.

Many villagers have heralded the plans since they were submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority.

Peter Rose said: “This planning application is the culmination of 10 years work by the residents of Long Wittenham, starting over 10 years ago with a village plan and then moving through a neighbourhood plan, a revision of this plan and then on to this planning application.

“It is a unique opportunity to improve the infrastructure of this small village and provide a legacy of public buildings for many years to come.”

Gordon and Margaret Rogers said the development would ‘provide a much-needed boost to the village.’

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Many villagers highlighted the new primary school as a particular benefit of the plans.

Chris Waites said: “Both the village hall and existing school do not provide appropriate space for educating children. They are run down and in a poor state of repair.

“Approving the application will greatly enhance the village as a place to raise a family rather than just be a road between Didcot and Oxford, both in terms of improving the school environs and increasing the number of homes.”

Janet Rose added: “The school being off the main road will help to ease the traffic problems at the start and end of each day. The children will benefit too from the large playing fields as well as a school more suited to the 21st century.”

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It was also appreciated that the development would not use public money, as the 45 homes would act as commercial activity to help generate profit to cover the cost.

However, some villagers have raised concerns about aspects of the proposals.

Clare Owen said: “I think it is a pity that Long Wittenham Village Hall is planned to become a house for sale. I think it should become a village shop.”

Debra Steele added: “We live on Didcot Road and it is far too busy, fast and dangerous now, without any further dwellings being built. I do not understand why this small village needs to be drowned my more bricks and cement.”