A HOUSING giant’s victory in a planning battle over nearly 200 new homes will lead to traffic chaos in Abingdon, it has been claimed.

That is the view of campaigners after planning bosses approved Taylor Wimpey’s proposals to build 158 new homes off Drayton Road.

Neighbours and politicians fought for three years to stop the plans after they were brought forward by Hallam Land Management, which bought the land in 2012.

But last week Vale of White Horse planners approved the proposals on the condition two new pedestrian crossings were installed in Ock Street and Marcham Road.

The plan involves creating a new pedestrian crossing in Ock Street east of Drayton Road and moving the current crossing in Marcham Road further west .

Abingdon South Lib Dem county councillor Neil Fawcett praised neighbours for putting up a good fight, but said he was disappointed the scheme had been given the go-ahead.

He added: “Traffic up Drayton Road is pretty bad most days and the concern is we will just see development after development adding to that pressure and no serious planning to do anything about it. It’s not a good place to add new housing.

“ I think it’s extremely disappointing that we were facing a planning system that actually puts the needs of developers far ahead of those of a community .”

The proposals were originally refused as planning bosses said the estate would cause “unacceptable” levels of traffic, but its decision was overturned by a planning inspector.

Hallam gave up the scheme after a Government planning inspector ruled it would have to create two new pedestrian crossings and these were refused permission by highways authority Oxfordshire County Council.

Taylor Wimpey bought the land, had the crossing decision overturned, and the Vale granted its scheme planning permission.

Town councillor Mike Badcock said that he had serious concerns children crossing the road on their way to school in the north of the town could be involved in road accidents He said: “They have made a major mistake.”