A MASTERPLAN for the proposed 'South Oxford science village' has been revealed ahead of the first public exhibition of the scheme tomorrow.

The development off Grenoble Road would include 3,500 homes, an expansion of Oxford Science Park, a school and as many as eight sports pitches, the plan shows.

It would also feature a 'district centre' of shops and community facilities based next to the Kassam Stadium.

A series of exhibitions start today, with the first due to be held at the Kassam Stadium from 2pm to 7pm.

It will be followed by one on Friday, from 4pm to 8.30pm in Sandford Village Hall, and another on Saturday, from 10am to 2pm in Jubilee Hall, Blackbird Leys.

Ben Sherreard, a spokesman for the scheme, said: "The exhibition will show the draft plans for the South Oxford Science Village and explain the opportunities and constraints that are driving the masterplan.

"We are keen to hear from residents from the immediate communities, and the wider area, to hear their views on how this site can contribute to meeting the desperate need for housing of all types.

"We want to hear from residents about what issues need to be addressed and what opportunities there are to improve facilities and transport links for the existing community.

"This is an exceptionally sustainable site. The draft masterplan sets out how a development can be delivered here which maximises the sustainable location, right on the edge of Oxford, to provide a 21st Century development."

The site would be accessible through a new roundabout junction on the A4074, south of the current sliproads to Grenoble Road.

Existing junctions between Grenoble Road, Guelder Road and Frys Hill would also be changed to give access to the estate, with a roundabout outside the Kassam Stadium removed and replaced with two T-junctions.

Landowners behind the scheme – Oxford City Council, Magdalen College and Thames Water – argue the extra housing it could provide could be vital in tackling a shortage in the city.

The city council has been lobbying in support of the proposal for more than a decade but has long been opposed by planning authority for the land, South Oxfordshire District Council.

Its leader, John Cotton, earlier this month warned the latest plans had 'all the problems' of previous proposals – including the location next to a Thames Water sewage plant.

Meanwhile, the new Grenoble Road scheme faces competition from a number of rival sites on the edge of the city.

Developers are vying for support from South Oxfordshire District Council, which is set to decide where it will earmark land for a large 'strategic' housing site in its next Local Plan.

Other options include land next to the new Barton Park estate, Wick Farm, land near Thornhill park and ride, a 'science city' at Culham – all in the Green Belt.

For information about the science village proposals, visit oxfordsciencevillage.com