As well as the homes, developer Obsidian Strategic also wants to build a special education needs school on the land to the north-eastern edge of the town.

The proposed development would be part of the Garden Town project, which will result in 15,050 homes and 20,000 high tech jobs delivered in the greater Didcot area.

The scheme was refused by South Oxfordshire District Council earlier this year.

The development attracted objections from 18 people, as well as Long Wittenham Parish Council, Didcot Town Council, Campaign to Protect Rural England Oxfordshire, Didcot Garden Town Team and Wittenham Against Over Development.

Objector Janet Haylett, of Westfield Road, previously said: “Over the past few years we have watched as Didcot has marched towards us with estates of Monopoly houses and already taken over a significant part of the parish.”

200-home site plan (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council)

READ MORE: Bicester – Plans revealed for six new padel courts at garden centre

The planning officer’s report said: “Weighing against the development, it would permanently change the strong undeveloped rural character of the site, extending the town of Didcot east of Lady Grove Road into the parish of Long Wittenham.

“It would substantially reduce the gap between Didcot, Long Wittenham and the National Landscape, and would not protect and enhance the landscape, countryside and rural character.

“In conclusion, it is considered that the adverse impacts of the development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

“The scheme therefore fails to represent sustainable development, and the material considerations outlined above do not justify making a decision other than in accordance with the development plan.”

The developer has now appealed the decision and the Planning Inspectorate will hold an inquiry on October 7 this year.

In the appeal’s documents, it said: “The appellant’s case is that the council cannot demonstrate a sufficient supply of deliverable housing land and that as such, the most important policies in the development plan for determining the application the subject of this appeal (i.e., those for the supply of land) are out-of-date; and that the appeal proposal represents sustainable development which should be acceptable in any event.

“The appeal proposals will deliver new market and affordable housing, which are much needed to help meet the strategic growth requirements of South Oxfordshire.

“The provision for a SEND school will also provide a clear benefit.

“The appeal proposals will further deliver significant environmental enhancement of the site and will demonstrably provide a biodiversity net gain to the area and an improved landscape edge to the north east of Didcot.

“The appeal proposals will deliver economic benefits for the area including the provision of new jobs both during the construction and operation of the development and also by way of increased levels of spending locally through the introduction of new households.”

They have posted plenty of pictures of village churches, carnivals and thatched cottages.

Farmland and tractors were also featured, together with wildlife and other country scenes.

READ MORE: Cotswolds crash update

It was difficult to select one village image as the photo of the week but in the end we selected Stephen Pimm’s delightful capture of the batsman at the crease, with the wicket keeper watching closely.

It’s a perfect pastoral scene and a superb action shot, showing bat and ball.

Each week, camera club members are given a theme and then post their photos on the club’s Facebook page.

A selection of images are featured in the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times and one photo is chosen as the photo of the week.

The next theme is ‘sunrise/sunset’.

Oxfordshire Youth is being celebrated through a fundraising partnership tied to this year’s Cinderella-themed Christmas event.

The palace will donate £1 from every Cinderella in the Palace ticket to the charity, continuing a longstanding relationship rooted in the history of the Spencer-Churchill family.

Heather Carter, managing director of visitor attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “This year, in addition to the promise of a world-class festive day out, visitors can enjoy the experience even more, knowing that they have played a small but vital part in supporting Oxfordshire Youth and their important mission.”

Oxfordshire Youth helps young people build the skills and support networks they need to thrive.

Blenheim’s support is part of a tradition dating back generations.

Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, president of Oxfordshire Youth since 2011, follows in the footsteps of her father, the 11th Duke of Marlborough, and her grandfather, who both hosted charity events for Oxfordshire Youth at the palace.

The Christmas event runs from November 13 to January 3, 2027.

Jodie Lloyd-Jones, CEO of Oxfordshire Youth, said: “As we approach 80 years of supporting young people, we are incredibly grateful to Blenheim Palace for their continued partnership and shared commitment to helping young people thrive.”

In addition to the ticket donation, Blenheim Palace will provide marketing and PR support during the charity’s anniversary year.