Dozens have objected to plans to build three homes in the conservation area in Didcot with flooding cited as a major worry.

The town council weighed in on the plans to build three homes on the land between Manor Road and Lydalls Close saying it would have a “severe and negative impact on the local flooding”.

It added that it would have an adverse effect on the existing drainage which they say “appears to be damaged”.

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The area proposed has been used as a paddock in recent years with animals such as ponies, cows, geese and chickens living within it.

The council said that the homes would be an “overdevelopment of this quiet piece of green space”.

Residents on Lydalls Close have also voiced their concerns surrounding flooding if the plans were approved.

Ailsa Stewart said: “There is a significant issue with heavy, fast-flowing surface water down the roads and footpaths of Lydalls Close and Manor Road during rainfall.

“Any further reduction in ground absorption in this area from buildings, paving and tarmac surfaces will make this situation worse and have a knock-on effect on houses on Lydalls Road where the run-off already causes regular flooding.”

The proposal submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council shows the home would be similar to a chalet bungalow style with eaves just above the ground-floor windows and the first-floor accommodation to be located in the roof void.

However, other homeowners on Lydall Road have objected believing it would add a blight to the old conservation area.

Bruce Thompson said: “It is the last vestige of medieval rural Didcot, an exceptional glimpse of the town's pre-industrial heritage.

“It would destroy a unique part of this conservation area, fundamentally altering its exceptional character.”

David Heard said: “I have lived within sight of the old Didcot paddocks for over 65 years.

“This green space is a haven for wildlife and in recent years home to ponies, cows, geese and chickens.

“There have been many applications in recent years on various parts of the paddocks in the old Didcot conservation area.

“These have all been turned down and dismissed on appeal.”

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Developers said the primary reason for refusal has been the “perceived harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

A statement from Didcot Town Council said: “The proposed development will have a severe, negative impact on the character of the area, and alter the overall appearance of the landscape within the conservation area.

“The proposed houses are not in keeping with the surrounding area and are an overdevelopment of this quiet piece of green space.

“The proposed development would also have a severe and negative impact on the local flooding, as the Lydalls Road area is already prone to flooding.

“This development will negatively impact the existing drainage, which appears to be damaged.

“The green area is able to soak up some of the rain water, however with a new development, this area will not be able to provide as much flood protection."

A statement from the developers said: “The new houses have been designed with reduced ridge heights in order to respect the existing nature of the area and consider this to be a positive use for a piece of land that is at risk of becoming neglected and already starting to be detrimental to the character of the area.

“The council can, through a planning condition, require design and future maintenance details of proposed landscaping enhancements to further protect and enhance the nature of the area.”

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About the author

Rob is a digital reporter who covers a wide range of topics.

He joined the Oxford Mail in February 2023 having previously been at sister paper The Bucks Free Press for two years. 

Rob completed a Sports Journalism degree before earning his NCTJ Diploma at Darlington College and can be found on X at @RobertFolker.