ANOTHER 200 homes have been approved for Abingdon as part of a major expansion of the north of the town.

Following an application by Catesby Estates Ltd back in May, Vale of White Horse District Council’s planning committee unanimously approved plans for the 15 acre site off Dunmore Road at a meeting on Monday.

Permission for 950 homes near the site was granted in July.

It came just as the Government announced £9.45m funding for the long-promised diamond interchange on the A34 at nearby Lodge Hill.

The sites, which are part of the district council’s local plan, were both removed from the green belt.

Work is expected to start on this latest project in 2018 with first sales in 2019.

As 35 per cent of the scheme will be affordable housing many local residents are hoping the project will help them get a foot on the property ladder.

In a comment submitted on the district council’s website with the application, Lauren Goddard, of Cullerne Close, said: “As a local to the area, I have rented for years. I do not wish to move for various reasons, work school etc but I need affordable housing.”

Grant Stevenson, associate planning director for Catesby Estates Ltd said: “We are pleased that members of planning committee unanimously voted to follow the Planning Officer’s recommendation to approve this new housing development.

“Over 120 people from across Abingdon, Shippon, Kennington and surrounding villages registered their interest in the new homes, 20 of whom submitted a letter of support to the council, further highlighting the need for new homes in Abingdon.”