Plans for new village labelled 'disgraceful'

Plans to establish a new village, beginning with 350 new homes, have been labelled "unsuitable" and a "disgrace" by locals.

Developer HarperCrewe Bloombridge wants to build at Kilkenny Farm, near Carterton and Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire.

It says the 350 new homes, which could be the first of 6,500, would bring "substantial benefits".

But those opposed have said negative impacts would "far outweigh any perceived benefits".

In one opposition statement submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC), it said: "Infrastructure, services, and the local environment are not in a position to support a development of this magnitude."

"While I understand the need for housing, this development is excessive and unsustainable for the local area," another said.

The application is currently being considered by WODC, having been validated in February.

Both the Ministry of Defence, which has a large RAF base in Brize Norton, and Carterton Town Council have objected.

The latter said it was concerned about flooding and drainage, adding: "Infrastructure is already at full capacity including highways, education and health services."

One local resident also added: "The idea of concentrating such development around a parish consisting of a linear village named in the Doomsday Book is disgraceful."

Another simply said: "Please leave our countryside alone."

In its application, HarperCrewe Bloombridge said: "The proposed development has been carefully considered to ensure that the social, economic and environmental objectives of sustainable development are met.

"The wider site – extending to approximately 100 hectares – has the potential to present a unique opportunity to comprehensively plan and bring forward two new villages, delivering much needed, high quality market and affordable housing in sustainable location, with active travel links.

"The masterplan for the site has been carefully considered to ensure that the new development can be brought forward and function independently."

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