An MP has hit out at ministers for refusing to visit Oxfordshire to hear concerns about plans for new homes.

Banbury MP Tony Baldry said he had asked ministers to hear at first hand the fears of local people following suggestions the county could see 75,000 new homes built by the year 2016.

He said: "Sadly, ministers have so far declined this invitation.

"I have to say that when I was a minister at the Department of the Environment I spent a large part of my life travelling to the four corners of England listening to people's concerns." A report, called Regional Planning Guidance for the South East, suggests that 1.1 million homes should be built in the region, with 75,000 in Oxfordshire to cope with a demand for housing.

The South East England Regional Assembly is increasing pressure on the Government to reject the plans and said they would lead to building on greenfield sites. But Anthony Dunnett, chief executive of the South East England Development Agency, said the majority of any developments would be within existing urban areas. He said: "Were we to develop the intensity of Oxford, Canterbury or Chichester, we would not need to ravage our precious countryside."

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is expected to reject the call for new homes when he gives a ruling on the report in February.

Story date: Tuesday 30 November

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