Blenheim Palace Estate homes plan refused by council

Woodstock is the location of Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill

Plans to build up to 1,200 houses on part of the Blenheim Palace Estate have been rejected by councillors.

Cherwell District Council turned down the proposal for the development on land north of the Bladon roundabout.

A primary school, shops, transport interchange and football training facility were also included in the planning application.

Pye Homes' proposals for 1,500 homes, on land in Woodstock owned by the palace, were reduced to 1,200 in June.

Previously the International Council on Monuments and Sites said the development would harm the Unesco World Heritage Site.

At the time Daniel Hayman, representing Pye Homes and landowner Blenheim Estates, said there had to be a balance between providing new houses and the impact on the local area, but added there was a lack of affordable housing in Woodstock.

The housing development has already been refused by West Oxfordshire District Council.