Housing developers hoping to build more than 1,000 new homes on the edge of a village, have urged planning officers to back their plans, claiming they are good for the environment. Martin Grant Homes has applied to the Vale of White Horse District Council for permission to site the massive development to the north of Grove.

The plans - which could involve the reopening of the disused Grove railway station - have been described by the company as the most environmentally friendly proposal.

The plans have been effectively ruled out by officers, in favour of rival options to build 1,300 homes on the former airfield to the west of the village, or to share new housing between Wantage, Faringdon, Abingdon and Botley.

The council thinks plans to develop the 47-acre site would be unacceptable because it would swallow up prime agricultural land. The company has called on the council to reconsider and give the scheme a fair hearing.

Spokesman Penny Mack said the disadvantages would be far outweighed by the environmental advantages of building close to the railway station and the main A338 Wantage-Oxford road.