MORE than 12,000 homes could be built on protected Green Belt land surrounding Oxford over the next 15 years, according to a new report.

The two biggest proposed 'urban extensions' would include 3,600 homes between the city and Kidlington and up to 7,500 homes south of the city – nearly double previous estimates.

Oxford City Council tonight said it also estimated another 1,200 homes could be built at Wick Farm, with major developments north of Abingdon and surrounding Wheatley and Yarnton also suggested.

The local authority is preparing to make the case for the schemes at planning inquiries held by neighbouring councils, which are deciding where to allow housebuilding up to 2031.

The city council says it will need to find room for up to 21,500 homes in that period outside the city because of a lack of space within its own boundaries.

It said a review of the Green Belt should take place so that it could make the "necessary adjustments" to allow development.

The report added the development south of the city, next to Grenoble Road, could cost about £3bn in total, with the other to the north costing £2.1bn.

City council executive board member for planning Alex Hollingsworth said: "We have been putting together this case for years and this is just part of that process.

"It will form part of the evidence base that other authorities will need to consider and we believe it is persuasive and robust."