Residents oppose plans for new homes in Didcot

Residents of Ladygrove said the development would destroy countryside, bring noise pollution and block roads with extra traffic.

South Oxfordshire District Council last month revealed north Didcot lwas one of the areas it had chosen for further development.

The council wants 1,430 homes built north-east of Ladygrove, together with 300 homes in the town centre, as part of phase two of the Orchard Centre redevelopment, before 2016. It is part of plans to build 2,480 homes in and around the town before 2026.

William Batten, 68, of Usk Way, Ladygrove, said: “I don’t want it, there’s enough houses around here.

“It will turn Didcot into an urban town. Homes should be in the town centre, so everything is in walking distance.

“The further away they build, the more buses and cars they will need.”

Duncan Drummond, 42, of Don Close, said he opposed houses being built near his home.

Mr Drummond, who lives with his wife Paula and their two children, Jack, 15, and Alex, 12, said: “I don’t want any houses to be built on that land, as it would spoil the view.

“I have two children and the added traffic would be very dangerous for them.”

The preferred housing sites will form part of the council’s Local Development Framework, its long-term plan for the district.

Angie Paterson, the council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “We need to plan for and provide an additional 1,430 new homes in Didcot by 2016 and after carefully weighing up all six options, we believe the area north-east of Didcot is the most suitable and sustainable option.

“This was supported by 57 per cent of those who responded during our last consultation. We appreciate that not everyone will support this option and we will carefully consider all the feedback we receive.”

Between 2016 and 2026, the council has suggested another 450 homes should be built either north of Ladygrove or south-west of Didcot, in the parish of West Hagbourne.

To comment on the plans, see southoxon.gov.uk/haveyoursay