RESIDENTS in Benson gathered outside the parish hall to protest against plans to build a new 177- home estate in their village.

They held up placards before the start of a four-day planning inquiry – which is expected to resume on Monday – into proposals for the new homes north of Littleworth Road.

Developer Raymond Styles has submitted a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council to build the new homes, but more than 100 residents have objected to the proposals.

They include John Lant, 72, who has lived in the village with wife Marlene for the past 15 years.

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He said residents wanted smaller developments rather than one big estate.

Mr Lant said residents believed the proposal: “It will seriously damage the historic character of the village and destroy goodquality farming land.”

The application is for 125 homes, 41 retirement flats, and 11 retirement bungalows.