AN INQUIRY into whether 210 homes should be built in Crowmarsh Gifford could have a far-reaching impact on the district.

Villagers packed the four-day hearing, which finished on Friday, to protest against a development they say would adversely change their community forever.

If Government planning inspector Edward Grace approves the houses off Benson Lane, South Oxfordshire District Council says dozens of other housing estates could gain permission in villages across the district, even against local wishes.

A decision on the appeal is expected by Christmas.

Developer Bloor Homes argued that the housing should be allowed because so few homes had been built in the district recently.

Bloor's barrister Christopher Lockhart-Mummery said the council had failed to meet housing requirements.

“The supply of affordable housing has been running at one-seventh of the actual need,” he said.

He said homes pencilled in for other parts of the district should be transferred to Crowmarsh Gifford to make up the numbers.

But the district council, which originally turned down the plans, said that would set a precedent that would undermine strategic planning.

More than 70 village protesters filled the council chamber at the start of the inquiry to show the strength of the opposition.

Parish council deputy chairman Nigel Hannigan is confident the appeal will be dismissed.

“Since 1968 there have been 216 houses built over 40 years,” he said. “We are being asked to take 40 years’ worth of housing in one hit.”

Among those to speak against the development, parish priest the Rev Jeremy Goulston offered a “thought for the day” that too much growth was not good for the community.

Residents, who have formed Crowmarsh Residents Action Group to oppose the plans, fear the houses would clog local roads, affect drainage, and change the village’s character.