A plan to build 114 new homes in an Oxfordshire town has been refused against the advice of "experts" after fears were raised it would "erode the countryside".
Applicant Manor Oak Homes originally wanted to introduce 117 houses on land opposite Hanwell Fields Recreation Ground and adjacent to Dukes Meadow Drive in Banbury.
But the final proposal discussed at a Cherwell District Council planning meeting on Thursday last week had three homes fewer than the initial plans.
Another issue brought up in the meeting was the "relentless development of Banbury" despite the applicant highlighting the plan, a "continuation" of the 78 houses approved just beneath, would "boost our overall housing supply".
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An objector to the development who spoke out at the meeting said: "I’m here today representing the Keep Hanwell Village Rural action group.
"I’m also a resident of Hanwell so you can imagine how happy I am today.
"As villagers we’re all very concerned about the erosion of the countryside and the relentless development of Banbury.
"We feel very angry, we feel disappointed, we feel frustrated when we see the countryside being nibbled away – eaten away – piecemeal. And communities change forever.
"I think it’s very important to say that this countryside that is proposed to be built on belongs to all of us. Wherever you live you enjoy this countryside – it’s not about villagers it’s about all of us."
The spokesman also highlighted "legal reasons" saying the site had not been allocated for development and said it would bring 140 extra cars upon which she asked "are we happy with that?".
The proposal was eventually voted down following a motion of refusal proposed by Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Brant who said the infrastructure for new residents was "not there".
Mr Brant said he had been at "pure gym on the treadmill" in the morning and noticed lots of soil being transported from development sites.
He added: "I have great concerns about this".
Banbury Hardwick Labour councillor Dr Kerrie Thornhill also raised concern despite the party's pledge nationally to build more than 1,600 extra new homes across Oxfordshire each year.
Ms Thornhill said "a big problem" for her was that the development was "entirely car dependent".
Council officers had recommended the development be approved, saying "the provision of residential development on this site would assist in meeting the overall housing requirements of the district and would contribute to the provision of affordable housing".
A statement from an applicant planning paper, read out by meeting chairman Barry Wood at the end of the discussion, said: "Housing developments of this kind should be located close to the most sustainable locations within the district.
"Banbury is the most sustainable town and, as such, can accommodate a development of this side thus boosting our overall housing supply."
There were 10 votes in favour of refusing the application, four in support of the homes with three abstentions - which Mr Wood said indicated a motion "clearly carried".
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About the author
Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county.
She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.
Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi
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