A decision over plans for hundreds more homes on the Kingsmere development has been deferred.

Countryside Properties had hoped to add 700 homes as part of the second phase of housing on former farmland off Oxford and Middleton Stoney roads.

But last night Cherwell District Council’s planning committee said there were matters that needed further investigation by officers.

Steve Price, of Countryside Properties, said: “I can’t say I am quite clear about the reasons it was deferred.”

In 2008 the firm received planning permission for phase one, including 1,585 homes, shops, a pub and two schools.