Plans to introduce "much-needed family housing" to an Oxfordshire village have been branded "utter nonsense" as people living in the area raise concerns over flooding.
A total of nine new homes could come to the South Oxfordshire village of Chalgrove,16 miles east of Oxford, after applicant Daniel James Estates submitted its proposal to the district council.
The site earmarked for development is 4,987 sqm in size and is grassland, which was previously used as a paddock.
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No new parking spaces would be added as a result of the development.
Church Lane objector Nina Buttery said: "To build on this field is total madness.
"Why is there a proposal to build on this field when the Chalgrove Neighbourhood Development plan rejected this site as unsuitable for construction?
"In heavy or prolonged rain, I have seen this field flood from the breach of the Chalgrove Back Brook.
"I have seen water coming within six feet of the back door of the houses adjacent to the field on the opposite side of the Brook.
"The field is frequently boggy from absorbing the overflow and therefore soakaways for water drainage on clay soil will not be successful.
"If this field is no longer able to take the overflow from the brook it is likely to cause flooding to the houses in Willowmead."
Another objector, Debbie Harris, of Lacey Crescent, added: "I live on Chalgrove Meadows and use the Berrick Road vehicle access to and from Benson on a daily basis for work.
"This road floods regularly after heavy rain and more since the land proposed for planning was brutally ripped up in November 2023 destroying hedgerows and trees providing vital wildlife habitat."
Despite these concerns, a flood risk assessment conducted by Egon Environmental, says the development site is "low risk from surface water flooding".
An applicant planning paper adds: "The site is considered a sustainable location for future housing because the site represents a windfall site located between a number of existing residential properties.
"This scheme maintains the existing character and appearance of the area as it represents a natural transition from the confines of the urban village to the open countryside.
"The properties are appropriately sized with front and rear gardens. Given the scale and layout of the scheme, it is considered it would integrate with the existing spacious character and appearance of the area.
"The proposed scheme seeks to improve the offering of family housing in the village of Chalgrove."
All nine of the houses would be detached and range from two to five bedroom.
The application has a target decision date of October 14 and its consultation period will end on September 17.
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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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