OPPOSITION to the council’s plans to build new homes on green fields is continuing to grow, as a survey reveals the majority do not support the plans.

Oxford City Council is planning to build at least 29 houses on land in Iffley Village, 12 of which will be social housing.

The plans have been met with objections from environmental groups who claim whilst they understand the need for more affordable housing in the city urge the council to consider brownfield sites over the ‘limited’ green spaces left.

Read here: 20mph speed limits and improved cycle routes could be introduced if plans approved

A survey of 192 people, conducted by Friends of Iffley Village (FOIV) residents’ group, showed that 78 per cent did not support the development, which would be built on horse grazing fields.

92 per cent said they are ‘deeply worried’ about the impact the new development will have on the ‘already congested’ roads in the ancient village.

Troth Wells, Chair of Friends of Iffley Village, said: “The survey was sent to all 361 members of FOIV.

“We felt it was important to sound out their opinions - especially as the notice about the formal Local Plan consultation in 2018 on additional housing in Iffley was not sent to local people (the City Council named and targeted the wrong ward).

“The survey gave opportunity for a communal voice, taking into account the range of views of the village.”

Read here: Adopt a chicken to save it from being slaughtered this weekend

Not all villagers, however, oppose the new development – 18 per cent of those surveyed said they supported the council’s plans.

Those supporting the plans have claimed that the leafy community, just two miles from the city centre, needs to be more ‘diverse’ and accessible.

Several also noted that the fields being built are currently not accessible to the general public.

The council’s housing company, called Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL), acquired a plot of land on Meadow Lane, in Iffley Village, and Memorial Field, from Donnington Hospital Trust in November.

The two plots of land were sold together at a total cost of £4.5m, after being advertised in Gerald Eve LLP.

If plans are approved 29 Passivhaus-standard homes will be built at Meadow Lane – the council said it has no plans to develop Memorial Field.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Oxford needs homes because we are among the least affordable places for housing in the UK.

“Home ownership is an impossible dream for many, and private rents can cost up to two thirds of take home pay.

“As a result, many people live in overcrowded conditions or have been priced out of our city altogether.

“The cost of housing means that nearly a third of Oxford’s children live below the poverty line.”

Fuel crisis: shortages cause 'serious strain' on food deliveries and taxi drivers

The housing company plans on building more than 2,200 homes for rent and sale in and around Oxford – including a new generation of more than 1,100 ‘genuinely affordable’ council homes, over the next decade.

The council spokesperson added: “We will shortly be consulting on proposals for the Meadow Lane site, which will respect the conservation area and fit properly within the context and character of Iffley.

These proposals envisage a road layout allowing for two-way traffic with priority for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We will also provide extensive cycle parking and pedestrian links to encourage people to travel to and from their homes sustainably.”