A developer has spoken out after its plans for 150 homes in an Oxfordshire village received more than 200 objections. 

Around 225 people are opposing the scheme on the site on land south of 3 to 5 Hartshill Close in Bloxham. 

Developer William Davis Homes submitted the development which includes access, public open space, a play area, and drainage. 

People are worried about the impact the development would have on local infrastructure and services including schools and GP surgeries. 

Representatives of William Davis Homes met with Bloxham Parish Council in August to present its plans and answer councillors’ questions ahead of the application being submitted. 

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Site masterplan (Image: Cherwell District Council) Sarah Whetton, group land director for William Davis Homes, said: "We have consulted widely on our plans for development in Bloxham, and the feedback received has been taken on board and incorporated into our proposals. 

“We believe our proposals would create a development which complements its surroundings and brings much-needed new homes to the area. 

“We always work to ensure that our new homes developments benefit the communities in which they are built, and these plans will create a development with a significant amount of public open space, pedestrian and cycle links, and affordable homes. 

“We pride ourselves on the craftmanship which goes into the building of our new homes, and we believe this development would be a quality addition to Bloxham.” 

Joseph Roberts, of Hartshill Close, said: “I am very worried that building 150 houses on this land next to the A361 where there has been unprecedented flooding on the A361 itself and on the recreation ground, will cause even more flooding in these areas plus what will the impact of those new impermeable surfaces have on these areas and the new 150 houses themselves?”

Fergus Wood, also of Hartshill Close, added: I'm raising strong concerns about the proposed 150-home development on the southern boundary of Bloxham, as it fails to align with the Bloxham Neighbourhood Plan (BNP). 

"The William Davis Homes proposal contradicts the vision and policies laid out in the Bloxham Neighbourhood Plan. It's overly ambitious, places pressure on infrastructure, and poses risks in terms of traffic, flooding, noise, and ecological impact. Any new development should be in harmony with the BNP, focusing on sustainable, small-scale growth that respects Bloxham's character and resources."

Cherwell District Council will now consider the plans, which seek outline planning permission for the development. If outline permission is granted, the developer will then submit a detailed plan for the local authority to consider. 

As part of the development, William Davis Homes would make financial contributions to support amenities and community facilities in 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