CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build thousands of new homes near Eynsham have criticised a council review of the development.

As part of the examination of its local plan, West Oxfordshire District Council was asked by a Government planning inspector to demonstrate why land off the A40 to the north of the village was chosen as the site for a proposed 2,200 home 'garden village'.

Two sites north and south of the A40 at Barnard Gate were considered as alternatives but the council concluded that the land north of Eynsham was still the best option because it is closer to Oxford and planned transport improvements.

Villagers said the exercise was an attempt to justify a decision that had already been made, rather than a proper consideration of alternative plans, and warned so many new homes will place a huge strain on roads and services.

District councillor Peter Emery, who lives in Eynsham and represents the area, said the report was 'so full of holes it was like lace.'

He said: "It conveniently finds reasons to justify building at Eynsham rather than taking a proper look at the alternatives.

"There's a feeling that because we have committed to it, it must be done at any cost.

"But a bad plan is no better than no plan at all and I fear we are going blindly towards a bad plan."

In January the Government announced it was backing the garden village project.

The developments are intended to be settlements in their own right, with schools, community resources and employment opportunities, and are encouraged to develop their own identity.

But Mr Emery said that the new homes would still be reliant on many existing Eynsham services, at least initially, and he had not seen any plans for new shops.

He said: "This is already going to be a village the size of Eynsham with plans to expand further.

"It is hard to understand how the creaky village infrastructure will cope.

"Best of luck to anyone trying to get in the Co-op with all those new people.

"It is not going to work, it is a mess."

Gordon Beach, the chair of Eynsham Parish Council, urged the council to sort out existing issues on the A40 before more homes are considered.

He said: "The road is already at a standstill most days and we don't feel there has been any concessions to residents' concerns."

District councillor Jeff Haine, the cabinet member for planning, defended the plans and said the Government backing would allow the council to access funds to improve transport links, including the A40, as well as provide 'much-needed- new homes.'

He added: “The science business park proposed with the garden village will give local people an alternative to driving to work in Oxford.

"In addition, the nearby Hanborough railway station together with the planned Park and Ride facility to the north of Eynsham also gives people an alternative to using their cars.”

A public consultation on the plans is expected to begin imminently, and planning applications could follow.