A GROUP of residents has called on the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to review the planning permission for a 1,500-home estate.

The Crab Hill estate, between Wantage and Grove, was given outline planning permission by Vale of White Horse District Council in February.

But now, the Wantage and Grove Campaign Group for sustainable development says it has received so many emails from worried residents about the approval, it has written to minister Eric Pickles asking him to “call in” the decision and decide it himself.

Group leader Julie Mabberley, of Charlton, Wantage, said: “We are also considering the possibility of going for a judicial review but this will cost thousands of pounds, so if you feel strongly about this please donate it to us.”

The public can donate via cheque to 12 Barnards Way, Wantage, OX12 7EB, or via the website using paypal at wantageandgrove.org

The district council's planning committee granted the Lands Improvement Holdings estate approval despite numerous residents speaking out against it at a meeting in Wantage Civic Hall.

Concerns raised included a lack of schools places, the poor condition of roads and the lack of employment locally.