AN HISTORIC conservation area could soon have six new town houses.

Summertown housing developer ID Developments has unveiled plans to build the new homes in Wantage.

The new terrace of homes would be behind the Old Labour Club in Wallingford Street, part of the town centre conservation area.

Oxfordshire County Councillor for Wantage Jenny Hannaby said she was ambivalent about the scheme.

She said: “This is just part of the infill of Wantage. It wIll add traffic to an already congested road, but there are 27 flats being built a few doors down so it is small in comparison.”

The developer applied for planning permission to the Vale of White Horse District Council on February 11.

In its plans the company said: “The development form is simple, following the principles of the more traditional terraces found in Wantage.

“The proposed fenestration and use of vertical boarded panels as walling materials introduces a contemporary appearance to the scheme.

“The development will significantly enhance the character of the conservation area by creating a high quality housing scheme in an otherwise characterless site.”

The council’s planning committee is due to make a decision on April 9.

A public consultation on the plans will open in due course.