AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into whether developers have breached planning rules in Sutton Courtenay near Abingdon.

Vale of White Horse District Council confirmed that its enforcement team has opened an investigation into whether planning conditions have been breached at Asquith Park.

Housebuilders Redrow Homes got approval to build the 64-home development in Milton Road, in May last year, and it is one of three new estates being built between Sutton Courtenay and Milton.

However, because of the expected influx of residents at Asquith Park, Cobblestones in Sutton Road, and Sutton Fields in Milton Road, planning bosses insisted a new sewerage system had to be installed.

But neighbours in the busy road have complained that new residents are moving into the homes before the promised new system has been installed.

Lesley Clements, 68, of Milton Road, Sutton Courtenay, said: “There were two conditions, one was about the sewage, the other was about traffic calming in Milton Road.

“It should be done before the occupation of any dwellings, but that hasn’t been done.

“Why should these big developers get away with it?

“They think they’re all-powerful.”

The Cobblestones is a 19-home development of two, three and four-bedroom houses built by Linden homes, while Pye’s Sutton Fields estate is made up of 24 homes.

Vale council spokeswoman Natalie Ellis confirmed an investigation had been launched into whether planning conditions had been breached.

She said: “Our enforcement team has opened an investigation to make sure the conditions of the planning permission are being met, in particular those relating to waste water.”

However, Daniel Hayman, spokesman for all three developers, said they were working with Thames Water to improve the sewerage system, although they could not confirm when it would be completed.

He added: “Since planning permission for three residential developments within Sutton Courtenay was granted last year, Linden Homes, Redrow Homes and Pye Homes have been working closely with Thames Water on a comprehensive scheme to improve the local foul water sewerage system, which is under stress because of the amount of surface and ground water getting into the system.

“There are two options being discussed to assist with the issues being faced by residents when it rains heavily.

“Thames Water are the guardians of the network and they have been aware of the progress of these talks up to chief executive level. We are hoping a final agreed scheme can be implemented shortly.”

Thames Water spokeswoman Sarah Sharpe added: “We’re working very closely with both the developers and the council to make sure that the necessary drainage infrastructure is put in to support the new homes.”