HOUSING plans that could have doubled the size of Woodstock were rejected by councillors yesterday.

About 800 objections were received against the bid to build up to 1,200 homes in the town.

Those against described the scheme – which also included a new primary school, a care village and a football ground on land east of Woodstock – as disproportionate and an inappropriate addition to the town.

Cherwell District Council has followed in the steps of West Oxfordshire District Council by refusing the “substantial” development on land which covers both districts and is owned by the Blenheim Palace Estate.

Many councillors were concerned it would create another town separate to Woodstock and would harm the heritage site.

Original plans for the site had featured up to 1,500 homes.

Cherwell District Councillor George Reynolds said: "Yes, this is a big development but if you look around Cherwell there is Upper Heyford looking to have about 2,000 or 3,000 homes added and Bicester itself looking to double in size over next 20 years. Everybody has got to expect there will be building.

"It may be premature but inevitably Cherwell will have to take some of that overspill from Oxford.

"I am prepared to vote against this on policy reasons of the local plan, I am not so happy on the affect on the heritage aspect."

Planning officers said that 844 objections were received and the decision to refuse the new homes came down to the balance between “whether the potential £43m income for the world heritage site outweighs the catalogue of problems”.

There are currently about 1,300 homes in Woodstock.

It is not yet known if developers Pye Homes will appeal the decision.