PLANS to demolish garages and build five houses and four flats in Chipping Norton are facing opposition.

West Oxfordshire District Council is considering the application for the site in Cornish Road, which was originally owned Cottsway Housing Association before it was sold to developer GreenSquare last July.

But discussing the plans at the last town council meeting, members voted to oppose them due to concerns over the loss of garages and parking.

Coun Don Davidson said he went to a consultation event held at the town football club.

"I think it's going to lead to an awful amount of extra on-street parking in part of the town where the roads are fairly narrow for 21st century cars," he said.

"They are going to be crammed in and I think it's an over development and I'm against it."

Coun Mike Dixon agreed.

"It's bad enough getting buses round there without putting extra cars on the street," he said.

Coun Martin Jarratt said he also went to the consultation.

"The few residents I spoke to they weren't overwhelmed with losing their garages and parking," he said. "It's difficult enough to go along there at the moment. It would be a pity to lose the green on there."

Jo Curson, head of development at GreenSquare, said there is a need for new homes in the town.

“We are keen to ensure that this planned re-development blends into the existing community, and following consultation with local residents and councillors, we have taken into consideration concerns that have been raised regarding the loss of garages and limited parking in the area.

“The new homes will be built with allocated parking spaces, two per house and one per flat, and we have increased the overall parking provision to include eight new car parking spaces that can be used by existing residents and their visitors.

“With West Oxfordshire District Council’s housing waiting list continuing to grow, we’re happy that this development will be providing much-needed affordable homes for the local community.”