THE plan to build 2,500 homes on Grove Airfield is to be decided at a special meeting.

The announcement comes after a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman about the delay in discussing the estate.

The Airfield plan was approved in principle more than a decade ago as part of the Vale of White Horse local plan up to 2011.

But the first outline planning application for the site was submitted only in February last year by developers Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey.

Grove Parish Council chairman Frank Parnell said it was good news for the village that the plan would be discussed by Vale councillors on Wednesday, December 4. He also said the meeting should be held in Grove, adding: “We want to make sure they understand our concerns and that these are addressed.”

Dr Leslie Clyne, of Mattock Way, Abingdon, made the official complaint about the delay.

He cited the Vale’s housing waiting list as a reason to speed up the process of deciding on plans for the airfield.

In April this year there were 1,175 households on the list in significant, urgent or exceptional need.

But in an email to Dr Clyne, Mr Buckle said: “We have decided to hold a special planning committee to consider the Grove Airfield application.

“Because of its size and importance, and the likely number of speakers, we think this is the best option.”