POLICE have warned they will need funding from developers to keep new communities safe in light of plans to build 100,000 new homes in Oxfordshire by 2031.

Developers could be asked to pay for police vehicles, radio and IT equipment and the costs of setting up premises at the heart of new housing developments – under new measures proposed by Cherwell District Council.

It comes after Thames Valley Police revealed fears over how it will enforce the law in new housing estates across the county due to a lack of resources.

The force welcomed the measures but said it was 'disappointed' its emergency response capacity would not be boosted by the proposals.

A £215m Government deal that would see Oxfordshire build 100,000 homes was struck last week – with £150m going towards infrastructure to cope with the population growth.

But Oxfordshire Growth Board chairman, Bob Price, said it was 'unlikely' policing would benefit from the multi-million pound package Oxfordshire would get over the next five years.

Conservative county councillor for Bicester Town, Michael Waine, who was chairman of the council until earlier this year, said police funding should be left to the Home Office and developers should be asked to contribute in other areas, such as schools or providing green spaces.

He said: "The Home Office should be aware that the county is expanding, it's even part of Government policy, they need to keep themselves up to date and cover extra policing costs.

"I agree we need to get as much money out of developers as possible.

"But local councils should be left to focus on infrastructure needed and in the areas they are responsible for.

"The infrastructure is inadequate for the population at the moment and needs to be focussed on."

Following the force's concerns Cherwell District Council has drawn up new 'community infrastructure levy' (CIL) proposals for developers to plug a funding gap.

As more than 4,000 of Cherwell's homes could be built between Oxford and Kidlington, Oxford City Council has asked to be kept informed of the measures and how money could be allocated.

The police also recognised the county's planned growth would lead to increased demands in policing Oxford itself.

Cherwell's proposals, agreed by Thames Valley Police, include plans to force developers to fund automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, vehicles and bikes, and new premises – while the capacity of control rooms could also be increased.

The force welcomed the move but said it was 'disappointed' the provision didn't stretch to its emergency response responsibilities.

Strategic planner, Simon Dackombe, said: "We are disappointed that emergency services, encompassing TVP, have not been identified as part of the draft list.

"For example we have identified that works or adaptations to both Banbury and Bicester police stations will be required to mitigate the impact of growth in the respective areas."

Head of planning at Oxford City Council, Patsy Dell, said it should work with Cherwell on plans to make developers pay for transport improvements and schools.

She said: "Given the potential for development within relatively close proximity to both the district’s and the city’s boundaries and the associated infrastructure needs that this might generate – such as, for example, the provision of a new school or a park and ride facility with associated improved road access into Oxford - it may be beneficial for the two councils to liaise throughout the CIL and local plan-making processes."

The plans would also see a new health centre built in any development which generates a population increase of 8,000 people or more - but only if nearby practices cannot be expanded.

A consultation is set to be launched on the proposals, which Cherwell District Councillors will then need to vote on at a later date.