Seven Wallingford businesses, fearing their premises could be demolished and replaced by houses, have made a last-ditch plea to councillors to block the plan.

The small firms face eviction from their premises at the Walter Wilder site to make way for 28 new homes.

The businesses have the backing of some councillors, who want the site alongside the Riverside Park to be a mixed housing and industrial development.

Councillors plan to visit the site next week before they make a decision on a Banner Homes' plan.

Several have already expressed fears about the quality of life of any future residents because of noise from the adjacent Lister-Wilder agricultural engineers and other factors.

The seven businesses under threat are: VSA Motor Services, Wallingford Trade Sales, TVR Self Drive, Wallingford Service Centre, Crowmarsh Service Centre, Crowmarsh Tyres, and Blakes Pet Supplies.

Martin Tomsett, of VSA Motor Services, who has been on site for 15 years, said: "None of us has any personal animosity to the site owners, the Wilders, but this site is not suitable to be all housing.

"The Lister-Wilder operation goes on through the night in summer because farmers need their machinery mending or servicing quickly so it can be back on the farm.

"The noise goes on and on -- and no sound barriers will block it out altogether from the residents who will live here.

"We have looked everywhere for new premises but they just do not exist."

South Oxfordshire district councillors Alec Hayton and Susan Cooper have said they fear for the quality of life of residents and say proposed sound barriers will make the area like a prison camp.

The final decision is expected to be made after the site visit next Wednesday.