A HISTORIC industrial site near Wantage could be turned into a housing development for 71 homes.

The Nalder Estate in East Challow, which is more than 150 years old, has been earmarked by developer Bewley Homes.

The small site was historically used to make farming equipment and was recently used by car parts manufacturers to supply MG and Toyota, but estate owner John Putt said it was no longer workable as a business estate as it was less than a quarter full.

He said: “It’s a tragedy when that site has been active for more than 150 years as an employer of people.”

Mr Putt is now working with the developer.

The homes will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom two-storey houses, along with a two-and-a-half-storey apartment building. The plans will include 28 affordable homes It would also involve the restoration of the listed office building Nalder House in Main Street.

Andrew Brooks, land director at Bewley Homes, said the firm had worked hard to ensure the design was in keeping.

He said: “It’s high quality architectural design, which is predominantly two storeys and takes into account the current site and surrounding properties.”

Vale of White Horse District Council aims to make a decision on the plans by September 6.