PLANS for 140 homes on land in Littlemore have received the backing of officers at Oxford City Council.

Planning officer Andrew Murdoch has urged councillors to approve the outline plan for 140 homes, 258 car parking spaces, 356 cycle parking spaces, landscaping and open space on land north of Littlemore Healthcare Trust in Sandford Road.

The bid by Donnington Hospital Trust is due to be discussed by the council’s east area planning committee tomorrow.

If approved, it will lead to further applications when precise details of the plans will be unveiled.

Oxford Mail:

  • An artist’s impression of the plans for 140 homes

But concerns have been raised by some residents about the plans, including the proposal that the site should be accessed by a slip road off the A4074.

Residents are concerned that the site’s only entry and exit point – a junction with a left turn off and back onto the A4074 – will create congestion on the estate and the ring road.

Benjamin Dean, of St George’s Manor, said: “I have no problem with building more houses on the site. There are, however, a number of key issues which appear to have been glossed over.

“The proposed transport access is grossly inadequate for such a large development.

“The north-west access path will end up leaving pedestrians and cyclists in a very tricky spot on a very busy roundabout.

“Their only option will be to hack across Sainsbury’s and into the west side of Littlemore. The roundabout is lethal for cyclists crossing and pedestrians.

“The current slip road system looks like it may be rather dangerous, given the speed at which cars come around the roundabout and down the A4074.”

Mandelbrote Drive resident Susan Stewart said: “I am worried about residents’ access to this development and the effect of traffic on the surrounding area.

“The arrangement will put pressure on Sandford Road and Oxford Road, Littlemore, the mini-roundabout and the Littlemore roundabout as well as Sandford village and Grenoble Road.

“It is unclear whether proper pedestrian access has been designed.

“There appears to be no new public transport provision as part of the plan. It is at least a 10 minute walk to the suggested bus stop at the George, Littlemore, which suggests that people would usually use the car.

“To be so cut off from all amenities except a supermarket will not allow much quality of life.”

A planning statement on behalf of the applicant said: “The proposed scheme provides for up to 140 residential units at a density of approximately 46.6 dwellings per hectare, which makes efficient use of the available land.

“The scheme also incorporates a buffer zone along the western boundary to protect the visual amenity of the Oxford Green Belt.”

The statement added: “The site has been connected to surrounding communities via a footpath and cycleway to the north-west of the site.

“The footpath and cycleway also increase accessibility of the site to services, facilities and public transport links.”