AN APPLICATION to build 51 new homes in Chesterton was refused for being “unsuitable”.

Councillors at Cherwell District Council’s rejected the proposal last Thursday that could have seen the houses built on fields adjacent to The Hale, near Bicester.

The application, submitted by Philippa and Georgina Pain, was refused on the grounds that the village had already seen 89 homes built since March last year and more homes would represent over development.

Councillor Michael Gibbard, Cherwell’s lead member for planning, said: “This application site is an open and prominent space which provides The Hale with a distinctly rural and remote feel which creates a pleasant countryside character. Any development on this land would significantly harm its charm and cause irreparable damage to the area and is therefore considered unsuitable.

“Aside from this, Chesterton has already been granted permission for 89 new homes in the past 15 months to help meet a shortfall in housing numbers.”