RESIDENTS in Benson could find out tonight if plans will be approved for 241 new homes to be built in the village.

RJ & S Styles has submitted a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council for the houses north of Littleworth Road in the village near Wallingford.

Earlier this month, after concerns were expressed about the effect of the new homes on infrastructure and traffic congestion, councillors at SODC’s planning committee deferred a decision so they could visit the site themselves.

Following the committee meeting in Didcot, John Fowler, chairman of the village’s Neighbourhood Plan group, said the 241 homes would be built next to 150 homes already approved on appeal.

He added that residents were now facing an additional 400 homes for the village, which currently has about 1,300 houses.

Mr Fowler said: "Councillors visited the site on Monday – we are hoping they reject the application.

"We need more time to progress our Neighbourhood Plan."

Mother-of-two Joanne Compton, who lives in Littleworth Road, said earlier that more smaller developments in the village would be preferable.

John Ashton, agent for planning consultants West Waddy, described the application as an "excellent scheme."

The meeting will take place tonight at Didcot Civic Hall in Britwell Road at 6pm.