A second consultation period for controversial plans to build 950 houses at Bodicote, Banbury, could be delayed, after nearly 10,000 people responded to the first consultation exercise.

The proposed estate, beginning next to Bankside and extending along the Oxford Road to Bodicote Park, has been opposed by Cherwell Heights residents and Bodicote villagers since plans were first announced 18 months ago.

Chairman of the Cherwell Heights Action Group, Bob Madge, said: "The number of comments, mostly objections to the plans, is wonderful news.

"We knew the plan was wrong for Banbury but did not expect such an emphatic reaction. It gives lie to the accusations that ours is a Nimby argument."

"The objections are from a large area and rejection on this scale must throw the feasibility of the whole scheme into doubt."

Cllr Fred Blackwell, chairman of Cherwell District Council's development committee, said: "With this huge number of letters to deal with it is possible that the next public consultation period may have to be delayed.

"The process will not be helped by the change in the council's structure in July this year."