MAJOR infrastructure projects have resurfaced as part of a fresh vision for development across South Oxfordshire.

Controversial schemes including the Abingdon Reservoir, Lodge Hill park and ride and the Marcham bypass were revived yesterday after being included in crucial council document.

Vale of White Horse District Council published the second part of its Local Plan, setting out preferred sites for 2,200 homes that it has agreed to deliver to ease Oxford's housing crisis.

The 144-page document also sets aside land in anticipation of future schemes that could be delivered to improve roads and transport, including a rail station in Grove, park and ride sites at Lodge Hill and Cumnor, and a bypass south of Marcham to divert traffic away from the village.

Oxfordshire County Council has investigated the projects before but this is thought to be the first time the district council has officially adopted them into one comprehensive blueprint.

The district council would not necessarily deliver the schemes itself but said it has earmarked land to 'safeguard' their future.

Parcels of land have also been pencilled in for new slip roads to and from the A34 at Milton specifically to serve employees at Milton Park, and the council also outlines the potential for a 'northbound bus lane between Lodge Hill and the Hinksey interchanges on the A34'.

The document also saves land between Steventon, East Hanney and Drayton to accommodate Thames Water's controversial colossal reservoir.

Villagers have fought against the reservoir since it was first floated in 1975, in a bid to provide up to 150 million litres of water a day to save London from drought.

Huge housing sites are identified in the document, which comes after the first phase was adopted in December.

Dalton Barracks in Shippon near Abingdon is set to see the biggest share of housing, with 1,200 homes - part of which will fall in the Green Belt, although the council wants to save some land for a 'country park'.

The army barracks are among three in the county that are set to be sold off by the Ministry of Defence, and the council previously feared the Government would not vacate the site in time for housing to be delivered in 2031.

The council also sets out a plan for an 'innovation village' at the Harwell Campus, which would include 1,000 homes.

Villages including Marcham, East Hanney and Kingston Bagpuize are also outlined for hundreds of homes, but not all suggested sites are expected pass onto the next stage.

Public consultation and scrutiny from the planning inspector will follow, then the council will pick the most suitable sites to deliver the 2,200 homes.

Consultation began yesterday on the homes and residents can attend public events in their area starting tomorrow.

Roger Cox, cabinet member for planning at the Vale and deputy council leader, said: "The consultation provides residents with the opportunity to input into the way planning decisions are made. This will ensure we deliver high quality homes where and when they are needed."

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