Villagers in Crowmarsh Gifford have described plans which could double the size of their community as "frightening".

Developers Bloor Homes and Hallam Land Management have announced plans to build 420 homes on land off Benson Lane.

Another scheme also on the table proposes 200 houses.

The current population is 1,000 people, but the larger development could double this.

Residents say the village does not have the facilities to cope with such an influx of people.

Dr Nick Robins, of Benson Lane, said: "The prospect of well over 1,000 new residents vying for the sparse facilities of Crowmarsh Gifford and the nearby town of Wallingford is daunting.

"An additional 800 cars per day up and down Benson Lane and the Street is nothing short of frightening."

Peter Agar, 83, of the Street, said: "It's a crazy idea.

"The school is almost full already, so where do you put another 200 children?

"It may not actually be in an area of outstanding beauty but it is close to it, it certainly should not be built."

Bloor Homes spokesman Paul Doyle said: "The proposals present an opportunity to deliver new recreational facilities and a link road to take away existing traffic for the neighbouring employment areas on Benson Lane from the centre of Crowmarsh Gifford.

"It can also deliver much-needed affordable housing."

A formal planning application could be submitted next month.

Nigel Hannigan, chairman of the parish council's planning committee, said: "We favour brownfield sites and infilling but the infrastructure of the village wouldn't be able to support a major development.

"We're losing our post office and the school is running at capacity."