A MULTI-MILLION-pound drainage project has unblocked the way for hundreds of new homes to be built in Oxford.

Thames Water is set to start work on a new £7m drainage scheme in Botley and Cumnor Hill.

It means 20 different planning applications – which had been on hold since the 2007 floods – can now go ahead. It also paves the way for the £15m revamp of the Seacourt Retail Park.

But opponents, including North Hinksey Parish Council chairman Neil Clark said the area’s infrastructure will not cope with the extra housing.