Wantage and Grove communities are furious after planning permission was granted for new homes.

Local housebuilder Persimmon Homes has been granted planning approval from The Vale of White Horse District Council on a Persimmon Wessex scheme for 65 new homes, as the next phase of the developer’s Wellington Gate site.

The builder will transfer 22 of the new homes to a housing association for the purposes of affordable and social housing.

Persimmon’s Wellington Gate site, situated on the old airfield between Wantage and Grove, will see 1,500 constructed overall once complete.

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The Wellington Gate project (Pic: Ed Nix).The Wellington Gate project (Pic: Ed Nix).

Yet some residents have opposed the move, arguing that other amenities should be built before or in conjunction with the homes.

“Build better shops before building more houses,” said Alasdair Corton.

“Sainsbury’s just isn’t it anymore, and it closes at 9pm which is terrible.”

Paul Brown added: “What about a pump track or BMX track for the kids instead of the standard swings and roundabout?

“Also another health centre so Wantage can cope.”

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The planning layout of the new homes.The planning layout of the new homes. (Image: Persimmon Homes)

Susie Mc agreed and said: “Maybe build something for the kids instead of a stupid little park with two swings, and a roundabout that doesn’t turn due to all the stones trapped underneath.

“Nowhere near big enough for the amount of kids on the estate already.”

Others complained that there are already too many houses for the town’s infrastructure to cope with.

“Absolutely disgusting,” said Andrew Ruston.

“Looks like Wantage & Grove have become a free ride for ‘housing developers’.

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The development in Oxfordshire.The development in Oxfordshire. (Image: Persimmon Homes Ltd and Taylor Wimpey UK)

“I get that more houses are needed but surely there should be a cap due to the infrastructure of the town and the ridiculous 20mph zones.”

Ben Wiskin added: “Another small, quiet market town slowly getting swallowed up by disgusting, poorly built new build houses.

“The councils and developers won't be happy until every green space is covered.”

Alongside the new homes, Persimmon has delivered a primary school with sports pitches due to be handed over next month as part of the new sustainable community.

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Julian Roper, managing director at Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We are delighted to have secured the next phase of planning permission from the Vale of White Horse District Council to deliver 65 new homes for local people at our Wellington Gate site.

“This development is already delivering significant benefits and investment in the local community such as a new school, sports facilities, green open spaces, and other community projects.

“We are particularly grateful to the Vale of White Horse District Council for working collaboratively on this scheme, and to our dedicated project team.

"Together we are set to bring thousands of high-quality and affordable homes to the local area for local people.”

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