RESIDENTS have condemned a "catastrophic" suggestion that would see fields between two villages filled in with 550 homes.

A 27 hectare land parcel between Kennington and Radley was outlined by planning experts as a potential site for development, though they raised issues with accessibility and school provision.

The site, which was given an amber rating meaning "maybe" in an Oxfordshire Growth Board paper, would take out green belt land next to Sandford Lane in Kennington, stretching across both sides of Kennington Road towards Radley College.

Jenny Standen, chairman of Radley Parish Council, deemed the idea "totally unacceptable".

She said: "It is certainly something we would be against - we are not prepared to join the villages and this will further encroach on Radley.

"It would be catastrophic for both Radley and Kennington. The road through to Oxford is already fully congested and the other way out through Radley is very busy too. Otherwise people would have to use the rat run down Sugworth Lane which would be utterly unsustainable."

One part of the site is already pegged for 270 homes in Vale of White Horse District Council's draft local plan, which developer Redrow Homes revealed plans to build on after it submitted a scoping opinion document to the council last year.

Colin Charlett, chairman of Kennington Parish Council, said he was not surprised by the proposals to extend the development but would have to consult the rest of the council before commenting further.

The paper's suggestions must be taken into account by the district council before it publishes part two of its local plan, assessing Oxford's housing need.