Residents launch campaign against housing plan (From Witney Gazette)

Residents launch campaign against housing plan

6:00pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

A CAMPAIGN has been launched against “opportunistic and speculative” housing plans for Bloxham in north Oxfordshire.

Bloxham Parish Council said two plans for 160 homes would “destroy” the village’s “fragile” infrastructure.

Signs and posters have gone up around the village opposing plans for 75 homes in Barford Road and 85 in Milton Road.

It is the latest move in a Cherwell housing row that has led to a raft of controversial estate plans.

Cherwell District Council (CDC) has earmarked housing sites in the hope this will give it greater legal powers to refuse other schemes.

But major plans like the 1,070 “Bankside” scheme off Oxford Road have yet to be built, leading it to miss a Government target.

Developers have said other sites are vital to drive down house prices and provide affordable housing.

But parish council chairman Dave Chapman said: “These developments, if allowed would seriously impact on the nature and character of our rural village.

“These developments will extend the village residential boundary and further encroach into the countryside surrounding Bloxham.”

The council said 205 homes have been built since 2005 and Bloxham Church of England Primary School is full and cannot expand.

“Frequent” powers cuts, poor water pressure, flood risk and traffic could be exacerbated by the plans, the council fears.

The district council has yet to make a decision on the two plans.

A public inquiry will be held next month over plans for 145 homes south of the town by the Salt Way path off Bloxham Road.