A DEVELOPER has submitted a second plan for houses near Witney despite the first one being thrown out due to fears about the danger of a gas explosion.

Gladman Homes had plans for 270 homes in the Windrush Valley next to the Flogas Apley Works plant rejected by West Oxfordshire District Council in November.

A Health and Safety Executive report said the plant was a “hazardous installation”, and campaigners flagged up HSE guidance stating there was a high risk of people living within 250 metres of a gas facility dying if there was an explosion.

The council also highlighted a threat to the natural environment and pressure on roads and transport services.

Gladman is awaiting the outcome of an appeal against the decision, but has also tabled a second application for 260 homes, with the boundary about 150 metres further away from the gas plant.

Windrush Valley Protection Group campaigned against the original plans, raising a petition signed by 1,200 people.

Now it has vowed to fight the new application, which has more than 100 objection letters lodged against it.

Campaign chairman Jenny Allen said: “They are ignoring the views of the public and trying to chip away at the very strong reasons for refusal.”

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