Plans to build a funeral directors directly opposite a school have prompted concern amongst neighbours who say the development could be dangerous for children.
C.S. Boswell Independent Funeral Services would like to set up its new building in Bicester Road in Kidlington and has submitted the proposal to Cherwell District Council.
The building would include a parking garage for hearses, coffin storage and workshop, alongside staff amenities and would add to C.S. Boswell's existing funeral directors in Bicester Road.
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Objector and Bicester Road householder, Mark King, said: "The proposed development, including the construction of a funeral director's facility and associated amenities, is entirely unsuitable for a residential street.
"The establishment of such a facility in close proximity to family homes and directly opposite a school raises significant concerns regarding its compatibility with the surrounding residential environment.
"It is crucial to preserve the residential character of the neighbourhood and safeguard the well-being of residents, particularly children attending the nearby school."
Mr King also raised concerns about "traffic congestion and safety hazards, particularly during peak times such as school drop-off and collection".
He added: "The addition of hearses and increased vehicular activity associated with the funeral director's facility will exacerbate existing traffic issues, making it even more challenging for residents to navigate the area safely.
"This could potentially compromise road safety and pose risks to pedestrians and motorists alike."
Mr King claimed he was already aware of "widespread opposition" among neighbours regarding the proposed development.
The existing bathroom and kitchen studio in Bicester Road is opposite the Edward Feild Primary School.
An applicant planning paper statement says: "The application site is located in a sustainable location, close to the centre of Kidlington shopping precinct.
"It is considered to be an appropriately scaled and sized addition to the host building, and serves to safeguard the viability of the business by providing essential facilities in support of its services."
A worker from Snips Hair and Beauty, a supporter of the application and neighbour to the existing premises, said: "Bicester Road in Kidlington is mainly a residential street and has five retail premises.
"The impact on the street and community will remain exactly the same, only the business moving some 35 doors away.
"Since being neighbours to the funeral home next door they have shown excelling consideration to our business and that of the neighbouring residential properties.
"Sadly they have outgrown the premises and therefore require bigger facilities in the same street they have traded from for the last 10 years."
But Bicester Road resident and objector, Mohammed Quraishi, said: "This proposal is an egregious affront to the sanctity of our residential community, and I refuse to stand idly by while the council entertains such folly."
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