Homeowners in a Henley-on-Thames housing development claim they have been "gagged" from objecting to plans for hundreds of new houses on their doorstep.
Residents who bought properties at Highlands Park, built by Crest Nicholson in 2020, say they have discovered a clause in their purchase contracts prohibiting them from opposing future planning applications by the same developer.
Crest Nicholson has now submitted plans to South Oxfordshire District Council for permission to build 131 more homes nearby.
Residents say they were shocked to find the restrictive clause - and some fear consequences if they speak out against the proposed development, according to the Mail.
Highlands Park was built by Crest Nicholson in 2020 - and now, residents are in uproar at the prospect of new homes
CREST NICHOLSON
The clause stipulates that buyers agree "not to object or cause any objection to be made to any planning application made by the seller in respect of any neighbouring or adjoining land".
It further prohibits lodging objections with local planning authorities or being represented at public enquiries related to such applications.
One resident described it as "a gagging order", adding: "Whether that's legal or not is undecided, but it's 100 per cent a gagging order. It gives them total freedom to do what they want."
Another homeowner blasted: "I would have thought legally and particularly in the climate we're living in, it's not the way we want to live our lives."
The proposed development includes plans to relocate community facilities promised in the first phase of building like a community centre and football pitches.
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PICTURED: Crest Nicholson's plans for Highland Park
CREST NICHOLSON
This has sparked concern among residents, with some determined to speak out despite the clause.
One homeowner said he would not object to the new homes but has voiced opposition to the changing football pitch plans.
Properties in the existing development are currently listed at £495,000 for a two-bedroom home, £620,000 for three bedrooms and £850,000 for four bedrooms.
Some residents have also raised environmental concerns, with one objector writing that development would "exacerbate the loss of wildlife" and destroy a valuable natural green site.
A Crest Nicholson spokesman said: "This clause has been included in our contracts previously.
Highlands Park can be found on the southwest edge of picturesque Henley-on-Thames
PA
"As a member of the New Homes Quality Code, we regularly review the provisions in our agreements and are currently reviewing our documentation in line with upcoming changes to the Code issued by the New Homes Quality Board."
A South Oxfordshire District Council spokesman distanced the authority from the dispute.
"This isn't a matter we would comment on. The residents would need to seek their own legal advice on this issue," he said.
A decision on the planning application was due by April 25 - but has not yet been made.
