PLANS for a housing development in the village where Downton Abbey is filmed have been unanimously refused.

West Oxfordshire District Councillors met yesterday to discuss the 127-home proposal for land off Aston Road in Bampton.

The Lowlands Area planning committee unanimously agreed to refuse the plan, submitted by Gladman Developments Ltd.

Council officers cited reasons such as flood risk and the greenfield nature of the site as reasons for refusal.

Villagers campaigning against the proposal were pleased with the decision and about 40 people attended the meeting to hear the decision.

Resident Lesley Campbell, pictured, said: “We are extremely pleased not only that it was refused but that it was unanimously refused.

“It bodes well for the future as all these things matter if and when Gladman decides to appeal the decision.

“There are very strong feelings in the village about the plans and we know that this is only the first battle we have on our hands.”

Gladman Developments did not get back to the Oxford Mail when asked for comment.

The council received more than 100 letters of objection, as well as a petition of 230 letters.

A second planning application for up to 160 homes in New Road, Bampton, proposed by Richborough Estates, is to be discussed next month.