A DEVELOPMENT of up to 150 new homes could be built on agricultural land in North Oxfordshire.

Outline plans for a housing estate off Tadmarton Road in Bloxham have been lodged with Cherwell District Council.

It would include 35 per cent affordable housing, public open space and a children's play areas.

The application revealed that if permission was granted, the site would be marketed and sold to a housebuilder - who would bring forward around 40 homes per year, with the project taking around three years to complete.

The site, which historically formed a quarry, is adjoining the village itself and sits next to the 60-dwelling Miller Homes sites currently being constructed.

Consultancy firm Planning Prospects - working on behalf of the landowner - said more than 250 people had responded to a forum on its dedicated website for the scheme.

It said issues such as improving school provision and community facilities and fears traffic would be worsened had been raised.

But it said a new sport pitch and outdoor learning space would be provided and that the firm was seeking to meet with Bloxham Primary School and Bloxham Parish Council over what further improvements could be included in the plans.

Highways, footpath and public transport improvements will also be discussed during the process but new cycleways and footpaths are included within the green space allocated to the development.

Villagers said public transport improvements were crucial as there was 'little employment' in Bloxham.

To comment on the plans - until January 12 - go to cherwell.gov.uk and search under planning for 17/02502/OUT.