A DEVELOPER has been accused of trying to 'squeeze in' more homes than Abingdon can cope with as plans for another 70 properties are revealed.

County councillor Emily Smith, who represents North Abingdon, was commenting on an application by Lagan Homes Ltd for land to the west of Wootton Road which was submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council last month.

It follows the approval of 950 homes last year off nearby Dunmore Road as well as plans for up to 200 properties opposite this site.

Ms Smith said: "This and the North West Abingdon site on the opposite side off Wootton Road are in the district council's Local Plan as a strategic site for ‘about’ 200 homes.

"But there has already been an application for up to 200 houses by David Wilson Homes and that seemed to meet the requirement. If both are approved I think 273 is far closer to 'around 300' than 200."

She added: "With how close this development is to the A34 and associated issues over noise it seems they are trying to squeeze in as many as possible and the quality could suffer.

"I'd have more sympathy if the houses were all going to be truly affordable and help local people."

Residents have already begun voicing concerns over what the new 73-house scheme may mean for traffic.

In a comment submitted on the online application, one person stated: "There are plans to put 1,000 houses on the fields that border Oxford Road without putting more houses both sides of Wootton Road. Adding another junction onto the ring road around Abingdon will only make journeys around it more congested."

A design and access statement submitted with the application, however, said the area was well suited to development due to the easy access to recreation grounds including Tilsley Park, as well as public footpaths and bus routes.

It concluded the project would: "contribute positively to local distinctiveness and represent a high quality, and sustainable urban extension to Abingdon."

Comments can be made on the latest plans via the Vale's planning website until October 24, with a decision date set for December 18. The application by David Wilson Homes was approved last year, with a reserved matters application currently listed to be decided by October 10.