A town council's planning committee is objecting to a major scheme for more than 100 houses in the Oxfordshire countryside. 

Manor Oak Homes has applied to build 114 homes on land opposite Hanwell Fields on the edge of Banbury. 

This will be an extension to the 78-home plan permitted in May. 

The developer previously applied for the second phase to be 176 homes, which was withdrawn. The developer then submitted plans for 117 homes, which was then reduced to 114. 

This was refused by Cherwell District Council's planning committee in August.

Some 21 people have now submitted objections. 

READ MORE: Letter from crime commissioner 'of serious concern', says council

Hanwell Fields site plan (Image: Cherwell District Council) Banbury Town Council's planning committee decided to lodge their opposition at a recent meeting. 

A statement from the council said: “Whilst noting the applicant's contention that the district council is in a position where it cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, Banbury Town Council nevertheless object that by reason of its scale and siting beyond the built up limits of the settlement, and within the countryside, the proposal would result in development of a greenfield site that contributes to the rural character of the approach into Banbury and is important in preserving the character of the this edge of Banbury and would be unduly prominent in the landscape. 

“The development is considered to be inappropriately located due to the lack of accessibility to public transport with overly long walk distances to the nearest bus stops and therefore future residents would be highly reliant on the private car to access all their employment, shopping, and social and other needs.”

Hazel Skwirzynska, Main Street, Hanwell, said: “This shows a flagrant disregard of the planning laws and makes a mockery of them.

"The land opposite is a playing field, presumably agreed in order to minimise the impact on the horizon or the skyline. This development would be obvious from any direction.

“People living here would be reliant on cars and not public transport. Our local infrastructure is on its knees.

"We cannot keep building without reference to the chronic state of our health and education systems locally. I object in the strongest terms.”

Paul Michael Tate, of Hanwell Court, added: “The proposed development will continue to add to the already piecemeal approach to use what was green belt agricultural land north of the two former aluminium sites when the district has and still has numerous brownfield sites ripe for creating spectacular residential housing in the centre of Banbury adding to the much needed soul of the town.”

In the application's planning statement, it said: “The application proposal comprises the construction of a mixture of new homes at the site including a range of smaller dwellings, bungalows and family properties intended to help meet the needs of all sectors of the community.

"Of the maximum 114 dwellings proposed 35 of them (over 30 per cent) will be affordable in tenure.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby