Plans have been lodged for 16 new homes in Oxfordshire and have raised concerns for bats.

Rectory Homes Ltd has submitted a planning application for the new houses to be built on the land east of Chain Hill on Chain Hill Road in Wantage.

The plans were initially submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council on Thursday, August 29 before being officially registered on Tuesday, September 24.

South and Vale’s Ecology Team also filed no objections but did list this subject to several wildlife conditions including the protection of bats in the area.

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Concerns have been raised over bats (stock image).Concerns have been raised over bats (stock image). (Image: Unsplash)

It is stated that insensitive external lighting of the development could disrupt foraging and commuting bats.

Thames Water also saw no objection with the plans but did flag that the development would be taking place close to water mains.

This was raised as an issue should the construction be within three miles of said water mains with the water company requiring confirmation capacity will not be affected.

A spokesperson for Thames Water said: “There are water mains crossing or close to your development.

“Thames Water do NOT permit the building over or construction within 3m of water mains.

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The plans are currently in the consultation stage. (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council)

“If you're planning significant works near our mains (within 3m) we’ll need to check that your development doesn’t reduce capacity, limit repair or maintenance activities during and after construction, or inhibit the services we provide in any other way.

“The applicant is advised to read our guide working near or diverting our pipes.”

Of the 16 homes, these will be split into three separate categories to cover all bases when it comes to the new homeowners.

Eight of the properties have been suggested as market properties with four of these having three bedrooms, three homes having four bedrooms and one house having two bedrooms.

Six of the other homes have been marked as social, affordable or intermediate rent properties including five houses with one bedroom and one with two bedrooms.

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A decision should be reached by Christmas Eve.A decision should be reached by Christmas Eve. (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council)

The final two houses will be affordable home ownership properties if planning is approved with both having a total of three bedrooms included.

Featuring red bricks and black timber, the homes will also have red clay slate tile roofs according to the planning application.

Alongside the houses will be new parking with the application proposing as many as 40 new car parking spaces.

There will also be trees and hedges implemented around the site should the plan be successfully approved.

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The application is now in the consultation stage after the discourse was launched on Friday, September 27, with locals given the chance to lodge their objections or support.

Residents have until Wednesday, October 23 to make their voices heard with a target decision date scheduled for Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24).

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