Affordable houses on car park plans spark concerns

West Oxfordshire District Council said the homes would be "genuinely affordable"

Plans to build about 70 homes on a car park have been opposed, with a petition signed by more than 1,700 people.

West Oxfordshire District Council plans to convert the "underused" Woodford Way site in Witney as part of efforts to bring "truly affordable housing" to the town.

Conservative group deputy leader Liam Walker and Witney Chamber of Commerce chair Richard Martin are at the forefront of the opposition.

If the plans go ahead, the number of parking spaces will be reduced from 250 to about 70.

The Lib Dem-led authority said the proposals formed part of its long-term strategy to "deliver the right homes in the right places, making it easier for local people to afford a home within their own communities - a priority raised by residents".

It said a recent survey showed parking was "currently underused during the day".

Its proposal would see part of the car park transformed into "genuinely affordable one and two-bedroom homes", which it said were in "very short supply".

Mr Walker, who launched the petition, said he was "concerned" as Witney and West Oxford would be "growing quite significantly over the years".

"Those people that will be travelling in to Witney will need somewhere to park so I think this is a terrible decision," he said.

He said sites in Duckington, Curbridge, Carterston and Minster Lovell that would include aspects of social housing were already being put forward in the next local plan.

"I'm not sure this relatively small car park is going to make a huge amount of difference to the council strategy on social housing," he said.

Housing councillor Geoff Saul said it was a "once in a generation chance to help hundreds of local people" find an affordable home close to jobs, shops, public transport and community facilities.

Kane Emerson from the Yes To Building in their Back Yard (YIMBY) Alliance, said building 70 new social homes would be good for key workers.

"We know they're priced out because it's gotten so expensive," she said.