WANTAGE Neighbourhood Plan, which outlined areas of the town which could be developed, has been rejected in its current form by a Government planning inspector.

John Parminter, who held a public examination of the residents' planning charter in the town earlier this year, said it did not meet the necessary "basic conditions" set out in the 2011 Localism Act.

In his report, published on Vale of White Horse District Council’s website yesterday, the examiner said that while a number of policies would meet the basic conditions in the draft neighbourhood plan, many weren’t backed up by sufficient evidence.

He therefore said the plan should not proceed to a referendum.

The district council said it has already made a number of recommendations based on the inspector’s findings, and is now working closely with Wantage Town Council to revise the plan so it should meet the basic conditions next time it is submitted.

Mayor of Wantage Steve Trinder thanked everyone who had been involved for their work so far, and said they would keep working to get the project finished.

Vale cabinet member for planning Roger Cox said: "We have already made some positive progress with Wantage Town Council to agree a way forward to bring their plan up to speed.

"As so much good work has already gone into the plan, we see no reason why the plan cannot be resubmitted soon.

"Everybody is aware of the growth happening in and around Wantage, so it is important the town council puts a good, robust plan in place with the support of its residents.”