A BLUEPRINT paving the way for up to 900 homes in Barton, Oxford, has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

City councillors voted to adopt the Barton Area Action Plan at Monday’s full council meeting, which sets out the policies determining how the site to the west of Barton will be developed.

A primary school, food store and park are also planned as part of the development on a 36-hectare site north of the A40.

At the meeting Mick Haines, councillor for Marston, said he was concerned about an increase in traffic as well as flooding, and that Marston would not be able to cope with the major new development.

He said: “Before any houses get built there, I think the infrastructure should get put in place.”

Following the meeting, council leader Bob Price said: “This is the final step in a long process that dates back through several phases of consultation and inspection.

“An adopted Area Action Plan means we can now move quickly to deliver a high-quality new neighbourhood that benefits not only the new residents but surrounding communities also, while helping to address Oxford’s massive housing shortfall.”

The document is part of the Oxford Local Plan, which is the overall framework for planning in Oxford from 2001-16.

Ed Skeates, project director at Grosvenor, the city council’s development partner which together form the Barton Oxford LLP, added: “The masterplan, following a successful series of engagement programmes, is progressing well and we’re on track to submit a planning application in spring 2013.

“We’re hopeful that the new homes and community facilities will be delivered in time for residents to enjoy early in 2014.”