CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 300 homes near Blenheim Palace were approved yesterday after a gruelling debate. 

The development, for land east of Oxford Road, Woodstock, has received hundreds of objections including fears over lack of affordable housing, congestion and parking problems. 

But after more than two hours of debating, councillors at the packed planning meeting at the council offices in Woodgreen, Witney, voted nine to two in favour of the proposal by Blenheim Estates and Pye Homes. They initially applied for permission for 1,200 homes on the site but it was refused last year. 

Speaking against the proposals, Woodstock town councillor Sharone Parnes (pictured) said it was impossible to take the application in complete isolation, referring to Blenheim Estates property director Roger File's comments that the project would form part of plans to build 1,600 homes around Woodstock.

Oxford Mail:

Mr File previously said Blenheim Estates was in a unique position to deliver development on sites currently under consideration in West Oxfordshire and Cherwell District Councils' Local Plans.

Mr Parnes said: "The applicant has suggested that Woodstock residents fear change, which may be one reason only two letters of support have been received.

"People in Woodstock embrace change when it's good - but will not accept over the top changes with harmful effects."

Outline permission for the majority of the homes was approved with full planning permission for the first phase of 46 properties. 

The development also includes 1,100 square metres of commercial space.

Chief executive of Blenheim Palace Dominic Hare said the site would contribute to the £40m required by the palace for restoration.

He said: "We explored all the options and we needed a game changer."

Mr Hare also said the palace's position in Woodstock meant it had the most to lose in terms of reputation and finance if the development was not of a high quality. He said income from the site would be used for restoration at the World Heritage Site but objectors believe it opens the floodgates for even more 'unwanted development. 

One element of contention during the debate was affordable housing. No affordable housing will be included in the first 46 homes, and agreement on the percentage of affordable housing in later phases is yet to be reached. 

Other issues raised included the potential exacerbation of congestion and parking problems in Woodstock.

Speaking after the decision, Woodstock resident John Banbury, 79, said: "The decision has opened up the floodgates for development in Woodstock.

"None of the other sites are safe because the planning officers take the scale and demand for development as the primary reason to grant approval."