Plans for 825 homes and formal and informal open space, along with land for a secondary school and a new ground for Banbury United have been approved by councillors.

Hallam Land Management’s scheme, the latest phase of a development known as Longford Park, to the south east of the town, was enthusiastically welcomed by the committee before it was voted through on July 15 by 15 votes in favour against one abstention.

The open space in the scheme includes allotments and playing fields with changing rooms.

The outline application attracted 127 objections, many of them from people living in the completed phases of the scheme who feared construction traffic.

The meeting heard a particular welcome for the relocation of Banbury United, currently in a stadium at Station Approach.

Cllr Tony Mepham said: “Banbury United have been at their present site many many years and it’s about time they moved to a more suitable site.

“Over the years they have been hostages to fortune because several previous chairmen of the club have been in it for their own gain but now the club, being a community-run club, the future is good for Banbury United.”

© Thames Tap (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).

Sign up to receive your free weekly Thames Tap newsletter here.