A STAGGERING 500 written objections have been sent regarding a proposal for 300 homes and a group of shops on land east of Woodstock.

Residents have banded together in their hundreds to stand against the plans, as many are concerned if approved it could open the floodgate for more properties on the site and significantly increase traffic pressures.

William Piers Beeland of Woodstock said the reasons for objecting are now "even more important post-Brexit".

He said: "This proposal will generate significant levels of traffic on an already overburdened A44 causing further delays in the timeliness and quality of public transport to town centres.

"Also, the town centre is the heart of the community. The retail shops, business offices and potentially a cafe are all possibilities. This is certain to have a negative impact on the town centre's retailers."

Linda Ward, of Kidlington, added: "As a cyclist who regularly rides the country lanes of the area I am appalled to think how the amenity and leisure and safety will be affected by the extra traffic and rat running that will result. The provision of a few cycle routes will no way compensate for the loss of peace and amenity."

The objections relate to a development of 300 homes by developers Blenheim and Pye, who originally put in an application for 1,200 homes on the land. This was refused unanimously by both West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) and Cherwell District Council in September and October.

There is concern, however, that if the developers receive approval for these 300 homes, it would allow them room to boost the number of homes well above 300.

Woodstock Action Group created nifty yellow postcards to send to every household in the town, as an easier way for people to object and prevent the homes from being built.

But residents became worried when not all of these objections were immediately placed online by WODC.

Town councillor Sharone Parnes said: "It's part of the transparency of the process. It seems really bizarre that they wouldn't upload them all.

"There's many reasons for wanting to see who has submitted an objection and what they say.

"The council apparently decided it wasn't worth the time and effort."

Spokeswoman for WODC Sara Long said: "To make it easier for people to view the information online, we have listed the names of everyone who has sent in an objection card in a single document.

"We have only scanned and uploaded the individual cards from people who have made added additional comments, as opposed to those who just sent in their name and address. This make it’s easier for people to follow the ongoing correspondence online for this application."

To view the planning application visit westoxon.gov.uk and search for application 16/01364/OUT