Plans to build a 475-home development on greenfield land next to a planned new town has been described as 'opportunistic' by a local campaign group.
The homes would be built on fields between Camp Road and Lower Heyford Road, outside Heyford Park, near Bicester.
Developer Richborough has submitted the plans, which include vehicle access via Camp Road, children’s play areas with equipment, walking and cycling routes, and public open space, to Cherwell District Council.
The site is currently unallocated for development in the Cherwell Local Plan and comprises greenfield land, according to planning documents.
The site is next to a separate application for 9,000 homes to be built at the former RAF base at Heyford Park, which was submitted by Dorchester Living last September.
Heyford Park is also set to become one of many ‘new towns’ in the country, as part of a Government programme.
The surrounding area has many major developments planned, including £600 million theme park Puy du Fou near Bucknell.
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David Irvine, chairman of Caulcott Area Residents Association (CARA), believes the plans for 475 homes are 'opportunistic' and is concerned about the impact the houses would have on local infrastructure and flooding.
The group, which has been running for several years, represents the historic village and seeks to protect its identity, community and the character of its 'beautiful' rural location.
Mr Irvine said: "In Caulcott, our concern is about development progressing outside Cherwell District Council's Local Plan.
"There are a spate of speculative developments coming forwards without sufficient infrastructure to support them. Infrastructure is more than just roads and traffic.
"Caulcott has a history of getting flooded.
"We have also discovered that the water is polluted with PFAS chemicals, known as 'forever chemicals'.
"The 475 Richborough development is opportunistic, as it seeks to develop on greenfield land."
There are also plans to build up to 750 homes within seven miles of Heyford Park.
Gladman Developments is proposing to build the huge housing development on land north of Caversfield, near Bicester.
The plans include a primary school and a community centre in the 'heart of the neighbourhood', as well as a new roundabout on the A4421 and a greenway running through the development.
More than half of the site will be green space, including sports pitches, play areas and a community orchard.
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Nick Mawer, Conservative district and town councillor, has raised concerns about the 'pressure' Cherwell District Council's planning committee will be under to pass planning applications.
It comes after the local planning authority's budget for planning appeals ran out at the end of July 2025
Cllr Mawer said: "I would like to see the homes that have been given planning permission already built out before speculative developments are given permission.
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"The developers of the Wretchwick farm and Gavray Meadows sites have yet to get going let alone most of the eco-town and Heyford Park.
"My deep concern is that the LibDem/Green controlled Cherwell District Council have spent the years appeal budget already fighting both reasonable and un reasonable applications, and that there will be financial pressure on the planning committee to pass application regardless of its lack of merit.
"We are in this situation because of the Labour Government's drive to build houses that are needed, but the way that the policy is being implemented is affecting rural and semi rural locations much more than urban areas.
"There is a lack of electricity supply and a shortage of water supplies in the area, so these houses are unlikely to be built for years.
"Caversfield is a small village and these houses would have the effect of creating a massive urban sprawl virtually subsuming Caversfield into a Greater Bicester."
Richborough has been approached for comment.
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