CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 16m-tall warehouses in Bicester have been refused by councillors.

A decision to build the industrial park off Howes Lane was deferred by councillors in January.

But at Cherwell District Council's planning committee this afternoon the application was refused, due to fears over increased air pollution and traffic congestion.

It was the first major application of several totalling about 2m square feet to be put to the council for a decision.

Initial concerns were raised over the use, type, scale, impact and number of vehicles that would be using the site.

Councillors agreed to defer the decision to enable applicants to reconsider the proposed 70 per cent storage and distribution.