VILLAGERS might be surprised to learn their parish council has taken the slightly unusual step of giving its full support to a new housing development.

West Hanney Parish Council has asked the Vale of White Horse District Council to approve the plans for five new homes.

Beaumont Developments has applied for planning permission to create homes on land next to Church Farm which “evoke the spirit of a typical agricultural development”.

The parish council said they liked the fact the new homes would be next to 14 others granted planning permission in 2012.

In a letter the Vale the council said: “West Hanney Parish Council fully supports this application.

“Development of this old orchard with high quality properties would be a logical move as it would utilise the same access as the already approved plans at Church Farm.

“The parish council believes that this site is an ideal location for a small number of larger, quality homes.”

The council also said it accepted the developer’s promise that a new sewerage pipe would solve flooding problems at the site. The Vale is due to make a final decision by November 25.