RESIDENTS opposed to plans for a housing development on their doorstep in Wallingford have been told they face a 40 per cent increase in the number of homes being built.

The Slade End Farm area was originally earmarked for 400 homes under South Oxfordshire District Council’s core strategy.

But now residents have been warned to expect 555.

Last year, the council set out where 10,000 homes should be built in the district, but was forced to revise its proposals after a planning inspector said it could no longer rely on windfall sites – those not originally designated for housing but which then get approval – to meet housing needs between now and 2027.

As a result, the council last week agreed where an extra 814 homes should be built, including 155 more at Slade End Farm.

Larger villages around Wallingford are also facing more homes than first expected.

Town councillor Stuart Darby, 62, who lives near the Slade End Farm development site, said: “This is a great disappointment for residents who are very concerned about the impact these additional homes will have on the town centre, which is bound to become more congested with traffic.”

Mr Darby said residents would protest against the latest proposals at public hearings due to be held in November.

A council spokesman said: “We have concluded this is still the most appropriate location as the increase in homes could be included without increasing the size of the site needed.”

In April, developers Prupim, part of Prudential, submitted an outline planning application for 400 homes at Slade End Farm.