FEARS have been raised that Witney could “end up like Abingdon” if large scale housing goes ahead.

Leading councillors believe the town could lose its character if more than 3,500 homes are built in the next 15 years, citing Abingdon as an example of what happens when a town is “carpeted” with development.

But the Vale of White Horse town has hit back, saying it remains full of heritage and tradition.

Mayor of Witney Jeanette Baker said: “Abingdon has its own particular problem and has certainly struggled.

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“It’s a very pretty and quaint town with a lot of history but it’s difficult to manoeuvre around the centre because of traffic and the shape of it. It would be tragic if Witney went that way. I would like it to keep its character and natural beauty.”

Witney Town Council members raised their concerns during a debate last Tuesday attended by more than 60 residents about plans for 270 homes in the Windrush Valley.

The planning committee agreed to write to Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron outlining their opposition, which included issues with increased flooding and health and safety risks, and loss of agricultural land.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s draft Local Plan, the subject of a public consultation which ended on Friday, September 19, earmarked 3,550 homes for Witney and 9,450 for the district by 2029.

Former mayor Peter Dorward told the meeting: “Witney has been able to keep its status as a small market town but I see something akin to what happened in Abingdon.

“We saw how it was carpeted with houses. If you know Abingdon you will know it lost its character.

“I certainly don’t want to see that happen to Witney.”

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Vale of White Horse Conservative councillor for Abingdon Dunmore, Sandy Lovatt, above, said Abingdon’s population had grown from about 10,000 in the 1980s to about 35,000 now but the town retained its identity.

He said: “I don’t think it’s lost any of its character and I will very often meet visitors who say it’s full of character.

“There’s something pleasant about it that other towns don’t have, and there’s a lot to do in the town centre.

“We have a river frontage and are steeped in history, with fantastic traditions, such as the Mayor of Ock Street and dragon boat racing.

“People believe it has bad traffic, particularly in the mornings, but it’s no worse than places like Witney.”

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