NINETY homes could be built on farmland on the edge of an Oxfordshire village.

Bloor Homes and Archstone Land Ltd want to demolish existing farm buildings and build 90 new properties at Springfield Farm, Ambrosden, near Bicester.

The plans propose 58 three and four bedroom homes, and 32 social housing properties, which include one-bedroom flats up to a single four bedroom home.

A new road to the site, cycle parking and landscaping would also be included as well as a village green, community building, allotments and an orchard.

Plans for the 7.94 hectare site, which currently includes a farmhouse and outbuildings and is used as agricultural land, have been in the pipeline for 18 months.

Most of the proposed development is in Ambrosden, between Ploughley and Blackthorn roads opposite Five Acres School, but some is in neighbouring Blackthorn.

A report to Cherwell District Council by the developer says the plans should be approved because the council is unable to demonstrate a plan for a five year supply of housing.

Mark Longworth, chairman of Ambrosden Parish Council, said councillors had yet to comment.

He said: “This development makes a lot of sense for the village of Ambrosden.

“While the developments proposed in the Bicester masterplan take a lot of land from the parish, increase traffic problems, and do not enhance facilities for parishioners, the proposed development will round off the settlement as well as providing facilities that the village does not have.

“This includes large areas of open space, a fully finished community building or sports pavilion, allotments, community orchard and traffic calming on Ploughley Road.”

He said further discussions needed to take place before the council endorsed the plans, but the scheme could satisfy the village’s affordable housing targets.

Ambrosden Parish Council will be holding an open session for villagers to discuss the proposals at its annual parish meeting on May 16, at 8pm.

Cherwell spokesman Jemma Callow said: “The advice to the committee is right – we do not have a five year land supply.”