RESIDENTS of a quiet cul-de-sac are celebrating after plans to build 84 homes at the end of their street were turned down.

South Oxfordshire District Council has rejected Persimmon Homes’ bid to build on open countryside off St Hughs Rise on the eastern edge of Didcot.

The council said it was turning down the application for outline planning permission because it would ‘detract from’ the rural character of the area.

Plans also failed to demonstrate there would be ‘safe and convenient’ access to surrounding roads and there were fears it would lead to an increase in traffic, according to the council.

It marks a win for residents who have run a nearly year-long campaign to oppose the new homes.

Michael Clayden, who has lived in the road for 25 years, said: It’s not only a victory for residents of St Hughs Rise, and nearby residents in St Hildas Close, but also for both the Millbrook and Fleet Meadow estates.

“All of which, if the build had been approved, would have felt the impact of the increase in traffic and the loss of an area much enjoyed by walkers and those seeking relaxation.

“There were some who doubted we could win but I was never in doubt that if we fought hard enough we could secure the victory we so badly wanted.

“We hope our win will inspire other campaign groups to keep fighting against the tide of speculative development that is currently consuming Didcot town and its surrounding villages.”

Persimmon Homes repeatedly attempted to change its application to satisfy concerns about traffic - including revising the proposed access road and re-assessing the impact on a nearby major roundabout.

But neither residents, nor the council, were convinced and feared an influx of more than 100 vehicles in the residential area.

Concerns about the impact it could have on a much-loved landscape were also a major reason behind the refusal.

Councillors feared it would restrict public rights of way used by people accessing the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The application was also opposed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Didcot Town Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

Didcot and the surrounding area has long been the subject of speculative bids by developers to build more housing but the council has not been afraid of rejecting proposals, despite often being challenged on appeal.

The council’s case has been strengthened by the publication of its five year supply of land for housing in April.

Prior to this the benefit of the doubt was given to housing developers.

It is not known whether Persimmon Homes will decide to appeal the decision.

A spokesman for Persimmon Homes North London said: “We were extremely disappointed that planning permission was refused for our scheme at St Hugh’s Rise.

"We believe the proposed development would provide much-need family and new starter homes for the South Oxfordshire and Didcot area, as well as supporting jobs within the region, including direct staff, contractors and the wider supplier network.

"We are now holding discussions internally to look at how to move forward.”