Objections have been raised over flood risk at a site where a developer has applied to build 300 homes. 

Hallam Land Management has submitted an outline application for the homes, open space and new access at the former piggery and land north of Woodstock Road, Yarnton. 

Just two public objections have been submitted, which is unusual for a major application. It has been recommended for approval by planning officers and will be decided by Cherwell District Council's planning committee on Thursday, October 3. 

Sara Lewis, of Merton Way, said: “GP surgery in Rutten Lane not open full time. Traffic congestion on Rutten Lane at peak times during rush hour and school drop off and pick up. Hazardous parking on main roads. Slip road off A44 at Budgen's dangerous. The local roads cannot manage as it is without the potential for another 300 cars from each proposed new property. Anti social behaviour including rubbish dumping and broken local amenities already present.”

READ MORE: Frilford Heath: Opinion split over self-build house plans in woodland

Site plan (Image: Cherwell District Council) An objected listed as S Smith, of Stocks Tree Close, added: “The attenuation ponds in the Heyday Close development, which are about 50 meters outside of the Thames floodplain, are 30 per cent full with no evidence of the accumulated water draining out of them. What evidence do you have that the high water levels in the un-names watercourse is not the result of backing up across the Thames floodplain?”

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran also had concerns. She said: “I am concerned that the development will not be supported by sufficient GP surgery places. I support what BOBS/ICB are saying as our health services are under pressure. Without sufficient GP surgeries, more stress will be placed on the John Radcliffe Hospital.

“I am conscious that the Kidlington and Yarnton areas have had a good deal of development and that residents are feeling the effects of this. Such development must ensure that there are services such as GP surgeries, additional school places and adequate roads in place before occupation. I ask the committee to look very carefully at this application.”

Yarnton Parish Council also objected.

In the planning officers' report, it said: “There are significant benefits arising from the delivery of affordable housing, new usable green spaces and facilities to support day to day living and reduce the need to travel further. 

“The objections, comments and concerns raised have all be carefully considered but in considering the development as a whole it is clear that the delivery of this allocation should be supported in the view of officers subject to the resolution of matters with the Environment Agency and Network Rail.”