A proposed housing scheme would be in danger of flooding, it is claimed.

Sovereign Homes wants to build 92 affordable homes on former playing fields next to Henry Box School, Witney.

But many local residents oppose the scheme and they have been backed by Tory county councillors.

Paul Smith, of The Leys, said: "The proposed site next to Queen Emma's Dyke is a known flood plain. Any development there would be at significant risk of flooding."

Witney county councillor Steve Hayward said: "One of the reasons why the school never used that part of the field much was because it floods.

"The Environment Agency is always carrying out work on Queen Emma's Dyke at the culvert where it runs under the A40.

"There is no way we should be putting people in houses which could be liable to flooding.""The go-ahead has just been given for the north east Witney development and there will be affordable housing there. The artificial pitch needs to be on a much bigger site as many of the teams who would use it will bring it spectators."

Part of the site has also been earmarked for an artificial sports pitch and an indoor bowling hall.

West Oxfordshire planners will discuss the application again when they meet next Tuesday.

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