A landowner fears she could be forced to sell the farm that has been in her family for three generations to make way for an ‘eco-town’.

Rosemary Henson, 68, said she had not been consulted despite her land being earmarked to accommodate 5,000 homes.

Grandmother Mrs Henson owns 220-acre Himley Farm in Chesterton which is in the middle of an area proposed for development known as ‘North West Bicester’.

The land became the centre of a row after parish councillors accused Cherwell District Council leader Barry Wood of secrecy and ignoring the democratic process when he wrote to the Government offering the land as an alternative site to the 15,000-home Weston Otmoor eco-town, near Weston-on-the-Green.

Mrs Henson is now concerned her land will be compulsorily purchased to allow the development to go ahead.

Mrs Henson, an organic arable farmer, is furious she has not been contacted by the council, and said she did not want to sell her land at any price.

She said: “This came up and blind-sided me and I thought ‘what on Earth is going on?’ I have had no official notification.

“I’m the third generation to farm the land. My grandfather bought it in about 1930 and I had been looking forward to handing it on to the fourth and fifth generation.

“I think it’s dishonest we have not been at least approached.

“In the past people have come to me asking for an option on the land and I told them all to clear off. I don’t want the farm shut out from under me. I would like to have input into the situation rather than be told ‘this is going to happen – clear off’.”

Another landowner who has 30 acres — who did not want to be named — said: “We would lose everything.”

A council spokesman said two letters had been sent to Mrs Henson in December and January using an address listed by the Land Registry.

John Hoad, the council’s strategic director for planning, housing and economy, said: “Cherwell District Council is keen to play its part in consulting all interested parties on emerging ideas for the North West Bicester eco-development concept.

“Landowners have a particular place in that consultation as their views and response will be crucial to economic viability and the prospects for delivery.

“The council wrote to all known landowners in December 2008 explaining our approach and intentions.

“Now we have the correct contact details for Mrs Henson she will receive any future letters more promptly.”

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