Plans for a new housing estate north of Oxford have reignited concerns over flooding.

Berkeley Homes wants to build 168 houses and flats, a 60-bed nursing home and new roads and paths on land sandwiched between Cassington Road, The Paddocks and Bernard Close in Yarnton.

The plans, which would increase the number of houses in the village by more than 15 per cent, were granted outline planning permission by Cherwell District Council last year, despite opposition from Yarnton Parish Council.

Parish council chairman Michael Gibbard said councillors objected because they feared the density of the development would exacerbate flooding problems.

He said: “We have a major problem with surface water in the village, and extra housing would have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the existing inadequate drainage.”

The parish council will meet to discuss its formal response to the full application in the coming weeks.

Gary Strivens, landlord of the Red Lion, in Cassington Road, said: “I’ve seen the plans and it looks to be a massive development.

“I think a few people are annoyed they are going to lose their views, but generally the concern is there isn’t the infrastructure to cope with so many new houses.

“It’s not like we have a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker. We have no library and the school is full.”

Parish councillor John Burford said: “It falls within the natural boundary of the village and I think it will be a good thing.”

Andrew Saunders-Davies, chairman of Berkeley Homes (Oxford and Chiltern) Ltd, said the 168 homes consisted of 32 one- and two-bedroom flats and 136 two- three- and four-bedroom houses.

Thirty per cent of the properties — 20 flats and 30 houses — would be affordable housing.

Mr Saunders-Davies said: “We have submitted an application for 168 houses and flats and a 60-bed nursing home to provide intensive care for Alzheimer's sufferers, which satisfies a big need in the county.”

He said Berkeley Homes had held extensive discussions with the district council before submitting the plans, and would continue to consult the Environment Agency over potential flooding problems.

He added: “We’re convinced our plans adequately deal with any concerns regarding flooding.”

Cherwell district councillors are expected to make a decision in April.

If given the go-ahead, Mr Saunders-Davies said building work would begin immediately and take three years to complete.