PEOPLE living on the edge of Oxford are fighting plans to cut down 200 trees and demolish a house designed by a celebrated architect to make way for new homes.

Pine trees forming a small wood in front of a number of properties on Cumnor Hill could go to make way for 21 new homes.

Residents say the scheme would see the loss of a unique local wildlife habitat.

And they warn that the development would put at risk houses in an area beset by flooding and sewage problems in recent years – although this has been dismissed by Thames Water.

The scheme would see the demolition of 85 Cumnor Hill, one of the three properties on the site, and a music room.

The house was designed early in the 20th century by the celebrated architect Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis.

Residents have raised objections and on Monday secured the backing of Cumnor Parish Council, which is urging Vale of White Horse District Council to reject the scheme.

Paul Pritchard, who lives nearby, said: “It would mean the loss of a substantial greenfield wooded area that is rich with wildlife, including badgers, deer and, I understand, bats. There is a possible on-site parking issue considering the proposed volume of housing.”

The application from DPP Consulting proposes a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom houses by Bewley Homes, along with affordable homes.

A third of the homes would be one- and two-bedroomed.

In its submission to the council it said: “Within the site, there is a dominance of poor quality pine trees which are not characteristic of this area.

“Many of these are over mature and in need of felling for reasons of safety and good horticultural practice.

“The better quality and more suitable species will be retained at the site boundaries.”

Public consultation on the scheme ends next Wednesday with a decision expected by Vale of White Horse in August.

DPP Consulting said no one was available to comment.