THE battle between schemes to put 1,000 homes to the east or west of Carterton has taken a new twist after plans were put forward for the north of the town.

Residents were previously only given the choice between sites to the east and west of Carterton. But now a site at Kilkenny Farm is also up for discussion.

The consultation closed in March but a new round will take place until the end of July.

West Oxfordshire District Council also announced there would be a chance for residents to challenge councillors directly at an open meeting in the autumn. A final decision is due in October.

The Kilkenny Farm site has been put forward before but is now on the table after a planning application was put forward by developer Figbury.

Warwick Robinson, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “We are inviting people to make further comments until the end of July, should they wish.

“We want people to have the best opportunity that we can give them to communicate their feelings to the elected members, who will eventually be taking the decision.”

The council has to decide where it will allow 4,300 homes to be built in the district by 2026.

In Carterton, plans were put forward east of Monahan Way and west of Upavon Way.

Both sites feature a new school and other amenities, including allotments, sports facilities, play areas, shops and a park in the west option.

The Kilkenny Farm plan features up to 1,000 homes and areas for a primary school, cemetery, offices and allotments.

Of the 152 Carterton residents that responded to the first consultation, 50 “explicitly objected to any further growth”. Only three supported it.

The council said 64 responses supported the east option – or said it was the “least worst” option – and 64 objected to the west. Twenty supported the west.

A petition was received in mid-May, signed by 1,748 Carterton residents on behalf of Stop Carterton West campaign group.

There are also plans to build 1,000 to the west of Witney and 400 homes in Chipping Norton.

Residents have called for improvements to the bus service, cycle routes, road network and Internet connections.

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk l For more information, go to westoxon.gov.uk/planning/ldf.cfm or call 01993 861000.