People are objecting to major development plans which would see almost 250 homes built just outside an Oxfordshire village. 

Developer Nicholas King New Homes Ltd has applied to build 249 homes on land north of Spring Hill, Southmoor. 

This comes after a scheme for 180 homes for the same site was submitted and withdrawn in 2017. 

The application has been submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council. 

The plans say the development will have a split of 65 per cent market homes and 35 per cent affordable homes. 

So far, five people have submitted objections. 

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Sarah Suton, of Little London Lane, said: “The proposed development is not in keeping with the scale, character, or appearance of the surrounding area and will significantly alter the visual landscape and lead to sense of enclosure detracting from the open current space.

“The development could lead to a loss of privacy. 

“Increased noise and traffic from the development could negatively impact the quality of life, especially in Springhill current residential areas. It will exacerbate existing traffic congestion and encourage further speeding down the Faringdon Road, increasing risk of hazards and accidents.

“I urge the planning committee to reject the planning application for the proposed development.”

Anthony Green, of Faringdon Road, added: “This is good agricultural land, I know, I farmed this land for many years. Also Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor has had more than it's share of building in the last few years. 

“We are now becoming a small town, with none of the infrastructure or facilities that one would expect from a town. I believe enough is enough, and this application should be rejected and not reconsidered for the foreseeable future.”

Nick Liddiard, of Faringdon Road, said: “If this new development of 249 houses have cars per household that will be an extra 518 cars possibly using this junction.

“Surely, this will only add to the accident rate and perhaps a roundabout should therefore be considered?

“This would help to control traffic speeds, make it easier to get on and off the road and generally make it much safer for all.”

In the scheme's planning statement, it said: “Benefits of the scheme include the provision of much needed market and affordable housing within the district, with a site layout successfully integrating into the character of the area and avoiding harm to the areas landscape character and delivering high-quality, energy efficient homes.

“Further benefits of the scheme include the introduction of woodland and native planting, the introduction of play space areas, enhanced landscaping design with legible pathways through the site, a community cafe and building which can be used as a community centre for the existing and future occupants of the area.”

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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