A FORMER school field owned by Blenheim Palace could house 64 new properties.

Pye Homes has an option on the land in Woodstock after the town’s Marlborough School gave up the lease.

Half of the homes on the site to the north of Shipton Road and next to Pye Home’s Marlborough Place, would be affordable homes. But concerns have been raised about a strain on local facilities.

Woodstock mayor Brian Yoxall said: “The town council is categorically opposed to any further development in the town.

“The number of houses in Woodstock has increased by about 10 per cent in the last three or four years, which increases pressure on our infrastructure.

“We have constant complaints about parking facilities in the town and it places strain on schools and on the surgery.”

No planning application has yet been submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council but developers have begun public consultation.

Graham Flint, of Pye Homes, said: “The affordable homes will be a mix of rented, shared ownership and discounted private sale, allowing residents with a strong connection to Woodstock to buy new homes with a substantial discount.

“The development also offers opportunities, as with Marlborough Place, to invest in community projects within the town.”

The developer said the contributions could help tackle parking, public transport or other projects.

Marlborough School site and premises manager Phil Morgan said: “We relinquished the lease last August, just prior to us converting to an academy in October.

“We mainly had the land in order to accommodate the old boys’ football field. They are now defunct and there is no longer a need for the pitch.

“From the school’s and the governors’ point of view, we are happy to see that development in Woodstock because it makes our school sustainable.”

The proceeds from the sale of the land will go directly towards the upkeep of Blenheim Palace, which receives no significant public funding because it is privately owned.

Blenheim Palace property director Roger File said: “The development will ensure the future of the World Heritage Site is sustainable for future generations.

“The reason we wanted to go with Pye Homes is because it is a local company, based in Kidlington.”

For more information visit shiptonroadwoodstock.co.uk