A scheme has been unveiled to transform the site of Witney's last blanket factory into a major housing estate on the edge of the town centre.

The detailed proposals, which would see 219 homes built at the former Early's mill in Burford Road, are to go before planners next Monday and have been recommended for approval by council officers.

And, in line with new demands on developers to provide social housing, 66 of the new homes would be "affordable" -- for families on the council waiting list.

Taylor Woodward Develop- ments Ltd is submitting the scheme to West Oxfordshire District Council's lowlands planning sub-committee after being told to rework an earlier proposal for 239 homes.

Even so, the council has received about a dozen objections, mainly from residents, arguing that the development will add yet more congestion on to Witney's road system.

Planning officers, however, argue that until the Early's factory closed in 2002, the site attracted cars and lorries. It is also close to the proposed West End Link Road, connecting the north of Witney to the town centre, still part of county council planning for the town.

The Early's factory was demolished last September, bringing to an end more than 300 years of the company's manufacture of blankets, an industry which made Witney world-famous.

The Taylor Woodward scheme provides a mix of house types, from conventional detached homes with their own parking to blocks of flats with central parking courts. Because of the sloping site they have designed some houses to have a mix of two and three floors.

The developers have also had to take account of wildlife and environmental issues, including the creation of a replacement badger sett for animals already living on the site.

Senior planning officer Phil Shaw says: "The impact on ecology and landscape has been thoroughly researched. Key trees are to be kept and substantial new areas of landscape and wildlife interest are to be created.

"The additional footpath bridge and bathing pool works will aid in the enjoyment of the countryside by residents and locals alike."

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