A RESIDENTS' action group has vowed to fight against ‘detrimental and irrevocable’ plans for a water park near Bicester.

The ‘Keep the Wolf from the Door’ campaign is calling on planners to refuse proposals for a multi-million pound resort at Chesterton.

Plans have been tabled by American Company Great Wolf Resorts to build the indoor water park on land near Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa, including a 500-room hotel, 900-space car park and new nature trail.

Now, residents in Chesterton have pledged to unite against the tourist attraction which they say will ‘destroy one of Oxfordshire’s most historic villages’.

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The action group said the influx of '500,000' tourists would create ‘an irreversible environmental impact’, and disrupt the lives of villagers.

Chesterton Parish Council chairman Philip Clarke said: “Our local residents are so concerned about these proposals that they have formed an action group that we are proud to lead and support.

“Their legitimate concerns about increased noise and air pollution, impact on the local environment and wildlife and the inability of our small villages’ road infrastructure to support such a massive construction project needs to be fully understood by developers.

“We care deeply about our village communities which have been thriving for hundreds of years."

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The US company submitted a preliminary ‘scoping opinion’ plan last month ready for a full application to go to Cherwell District Council this autumn.

Early designs include plans for an entertainment centre, rope course, climbing wall, miniature golf, and bowling.

It would be built partly on land at the golf club, meaning nine of the current 18 holes would go.

Comments on a campaign fundraising page include ‘Stop destroying local sports’, another adding 'We must defend what we’ve got. A great golf club'.

A spokeswoman for Great Wolf Resorts said: "We have been listening and responding to feedback following our public exhibition in June and look forward to presenting our revised proposals in the Autumn.

"We are keen to support the community, as well as use local suppliers where possible should the resort go ahead. We are therefore keen to hear from local businesses too."

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The firm added that it is aware that a development of this size needs careful management and said it is in the process of making changes following the consultation, including routing options, design changes, and public transport options.

The spokeswoman said: "We have already adapted the proposed routing options to minimise traffic flow through the village of Chesterton following consultation with local Parish Councils and residents."

Adding: "We are working extremely hard to come forward with a design that befits the locality. We want our resort to slot into the landscape and become part of the area. We will be minimising the impact of the resort through extensive new landscaping in and around the site - in addition to the creation of a brand new public nature trail for our family guests and local people to enjoy."