Villagers have objected to controversial plans for 300 homes on a greenfield site in Grove over fears there will not be enough facilities for the growing population.
David Wilson Homes has submitted an outline planning application to the Vale of White Horse District Council for up to 300 homes with open space and “associated infrastructure” on land near Station Road.
The consultation period has now ended, and the parish council and villagers are objecting to the developers plans.
Grove Parish Council has said the “unsustainable” plans conflict with the Vale of White Horse local plan.
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The parish council said: “The principle of development on this site is clearly contrary to the housing strategy in the development plan and the proposal would not be a suitable location for housing having regard to development plan and national policies.”
In addition to the council not viewing the site as suitable for housing, villagers fear a new development will make the roads busier and a growing population will put pressure on doctors and schools in the area.
Maria of Knights Green in Grove said in her objection to the plans: “We do not have enough facilities in the area now - doctors, dentists, schools, vets, shops. We need more infrastructure before any more houses are built. The roads around us cannot cope with the traffic that currently uses it let alone anymore.”
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Gareth Smith of Glebe Gardens commented on the planning application on behalf of Cycling UK Wantage and HarBUG, the Harwell bicycle group.
The cycling groups have raised concerns over the A338 road that has become “significantly” busier following the construction of housing developments in the area and say the busy road will discourage people from walking and cycling.
The cycling group argues that because the development is on the opposite side of the road to amenities such as schools and shops people will have to cross the “potentially dangerous” road to access these facilities.
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However, the developers have said it is “exploring the potential” to provide a shared footway or cycle path on the eastern side of the A338 to connect with the existing shared path south of the A388.
In the design and access statement David Wilson Homes highlights the development will be near Williams F1 Headquarters and Conference Centre, Grove Technology Park, Milton Park and Harwell Campus which provides easy access to local retail and employment.
It also adds the development will be a “short walk or cycle” from amenities, with the homes being in clos proximity to schools and “green networks”.
Vale of White Horse District Council aims to make decision on the plans by June 30.
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