PLANNING bosses are being urged to think again over plans for 1,500 new homes close to a flood plain.

Action group Save Abingdon From Expansion (Safe) has formed to fight the Vale of White Horse District Council’s proposal for the housing estate in fields to the west of Drayton Road.

The group is concerned the scheme would increase the risk of flooding to nearby houses.

Abingdon homes were some of the worst hit during the July 2007 floods, with 433 homes and 21 businesses in the town affected.

The Environment Agency says that although the area of land off Mill Road proposed for housing is close to a flood plain,it is a very low risk area.

But Suzy Grimwood, 34, of Byron Close, who lives next to the site, said: “The field that is next to us is flooded pretty much permanently. We need places around Abingdon that will soak up the water.”

The action group has commissioned a planning consultant to produce a 28-page document, detailing why Abingdon should not be included in any future development.

Dr Lawrence Impey, of Mill Road, said: “Some of the houses proposed would be very near the level that is flooded and we are concerned about the run off to the River Ock, which is just upstream of Abingdon.”

Nearby residents are also concerned about increased congestion on Abingdon’s roads.

The district council said it would use money generated from the development to build a southern relief road, but campaigners claim this will not help ease the town’s clogged streets.

Protest group member John Phillpott, 68, of Mill Road, said: “The general feeling is that 1,500 homes would bring 2,000 cars and we just can’t cope with another 2,000 cars on Drayton Road.”

Neighbour Ian Field, 54, said: “We are very concerned about the increased traffic connected with these houses.”

Nigel Winter, of Masefield Crescent, added: “Getting into the town from south Abingdon should be a five minute run in the car but can be 20 minutes or more.

“The traffic is unacceptable at the moment and I am convinced that if you build 1,500 houses, even if you build a relief road, the traffic problems will be worse.”

County councillor Michael Badcock said: “A lot of heartache and worry has been caused to south Abingdon residents by these irresponsible proposals, particularly to those whose homes were flooded last year.”

The plans are part of the district council’s draft development framework, which sets out where 11,560 new homes could be built in the next 17 years.

It suggests that alternatively the 1,500 new homes could be built in north east Wantage.

District councillor Richard Webber said: “We understand that there will be strong feelings on this issue, and that if development is to take place anywhere, it should be based on the best possible arguments.

“There is no intention to build on the flood plain and traffic issues would have to be resolved before any development permission was granted.”

Safe was formed following a meeting called by residents last Thursday. More than 160 people attended to voice their concerns.

The deadline for public consultation on the plans is Friday.

abingdon@oxfordmail.co.uk