PLANS for more than 500 new homes in Wallingford have been thrown into disarray after a planning inspector disagreed with council leaders about where they should go.

The independent inspector said the 555 homes should go at Winterbrook, south of the town near Reading Road.

But South Oxfordshire District Council had chosen a site west of Wallingford, at Slade End Farm, near Wantage Road.

Now the council faces a battle with the inspector over where the homes should go.

Planning inspector Roy Foster said the Winterbrook site could be “integrated far more effectively into the urban fabric of Wallingford” to give “superior access” to the town by foot and bicycle.

The council had to identify a site it would allow homes to be built on as part of its planning blueprint for the district.

Council cabinet member for planning Angie Paterson said: “I have been taken aback at the inspector’s intention to change sites at Wallingford, especially as his direction goes against local opinion and the views of the town council and other stakeholders.”

Winterbrook resident David Walters, of the Save Winterbrook Group, said: “This is very disappointing, considering how much time and effort SODC have spent on this.”

But nuclear engineer Mike Rose, 67, of Norries Drive, near Slade End Farm, said: “It’s a relief for residents and we think it is the right decision.”

Slade End footpaths to town are “unsuitable” he said, and residents would shop in Didcot instead.

He said: “At last common sense has prevailed because the Winterbrook site is much closer to the town.

“I do feel some sympathy for Winterbrook residents because no-one wants such a large number of homes to be built all in one place.”

Council spokesman Martin Crabtree said councillors would discuss the issue in January.

In all, the council has to earmark 1,000 homes for the Wallingford area and 9,000 in and around Didcot.