CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed “significant changes” put forward for plans that included 1,500 homes and warehousing to be built on land in Bicester.

Revised plans have completely removed houses to be built on the site at Gavray Meadows, which some claimed would have cut off the natural wildlife corridor.

Developers Redrow and Wates have been working closely with neighbours after their original plans were criticised for the impact they could have on wildlife, and the introduction yet more warehousing for the area.

The plans have now seen warehouses replaced with office space and industrial units to offer more job opportunities.

Chairwoman of Wretchwick Way Committee Carole Hetherington said: “Redrow and Wates have really listened and taken on board all our suggestions and concerns.

“I really do think they want it to be something positive for Bicester, working with residents and the council to bring a plan together.

“Our big concerns were the crescent of houses to be built in the wildlife corridor and the B8 [storage and distribution use] warehousing. We sent in a big report which they really have taken onboard – we are really impressed.”

The plans were put forward at a Bicester Town Council meeting on Monday and well received by councillors.

Langford village resident and CPRE representative John Broad said: “For the residents and councillors, I think everyone really appreciated the work Redrow and Wates had done to listen.

“If we have to have new houses then it needs to be done in a sensitive way like this so it can be a positive.”

The new plans would see 1,500 homes built off Wretchwick Way with the employment uses changed from B8 storage and distribution to B1 such as office use – it is defined as “a use which can be carried out in any residential area without detriment to the area”.

Redrow and Wates Development spokeswoman Rachael Bruce said: “Over the past few months we have engaged widely with the local community and worked closely with Bicester Town Council, taking feedback onboard.

“We have made some significant changes to our outline plans for Wretchwick Green – a number of the warehouse facilities on the masterplan have been replaced with employment and industrial units to better meet local business needs.

“We have also removed from our plans a crescent of homes to ensure continuity of the Gavray Meadows wildlife corridor.”