A NEW development of 140 homes in Moreton could be approved by planners at a meeting next week.

Cotswold District Council's planning committee is discussing the outline plans for the new houses on land off Todenham Road, at a meeting on Wednesday, May 14.

The proposals put forward by CALA Homes include a new public park linked to the existing Blenheim Park.

Plans by the same developer for 300 homes in Todenham Road were thrown out by a planning inspector in April 2011.

But it could be second time lucky for the developer after planning officer Martin Perks recommended the plans for approval subject to a section 106 legal agreement covering affordable housing, financial contributions to education and libraries and the provision of a public park.

In his report, Mr Perks said the revised scheme "has satisfactorily addressed the concerns raised by the Secretary of State" in his decision three years ago.

"The reduction in the number of dwellings from 300 to 140 significantly reduces the pressure on the town's infrastructure," he said. "In addition, the creation of the public park will provide a community asset that will address one of the identified needs of the town set out in the Open Spaces, Sport and Recreation Study."

He also adds the proposed development would make a "positive contribution" to the council's ongoing need to provide a continual supply of housing land.

However, the application has attracted strong opposition from Moreton Town Council which fear even this "scaled down development" would put an "unacceptable strain on the already struggling infrastructures and services in the town."

The parish council in the neighbouring village of Todenham, is also objecting to the plans over fears the proposals would have a "hugely detrimental" affect on the community.

A further 19 letters of objection have been received along with five general responses.

A letter from the Moreton Business Association says although its retail members broadly support the plans, it feels the impact of the development when taken into account with further proposals for the Fire Service College, are a "step too far".