Cherwell DC is considering legal action against the DCLG, after communities secretary Eric Pickles overturned the refusal of four major planning applications.

Mr Pickles had granted planning permission for the four developments, after the developers appealed the council's decision to reject the proposals. The council is now seeking legal advice.

Cllr Michael Gibbard, lead member for planning, said: ‘I can't understand why ministers called in these appeals if all they ever intended to do was rubber stamp them.