A developer has called for the easing of restrictive planning policies which prevent new housing development in south Oxfordshire villages.

Andrew Yallop with Didcot Mayor Ian Townsend

Andrew Yallop, managing director of Croudace, said the Government accepted there was a housing crisis "with high prices due to supply and demand being out of kilter".

The Surrey-based developer began building in Didcot in 1998. At a reception marking the completion of nearly 1,200 homes at Didcot, Mr Yallop said housing needs could not be fulfilled by previously developed 'brownfield' sites.

"Without new housing, village amenities including the school, the pub and the post office will die," said Mr Yallop.

Croudace, one of the largest family-owned house developers in the country, was among the first developers to begin work on Didcot's Ladygrove estates north of the town in 1987.

Mr Yallop said the company had no immediate plans for further development at Didcot.

But he said the company had enjoyed a close relationship with the community and did not rule out returning to the town in the longer term.

Among the guests at a reception and fireworks display at Ladygrove Park Primary School was the mayor, Ian Townsend.