A PROPOSAL to downsize Kidlington’s Co-op and build 56 new apartments has angered residents in the village.

They gathered at a consultation meeting at Exeter Hall with developers Cantay Estates Ltd.

Architects Coleman Hicks and planning consultants were also at the two-hour meeting on Monday and showed artists’ impressions of the proposed designs.

The proposal is to reduce the size of the High Street Co-op by two thirds, keeping its travel store and post office, and cut the number of car parking spaces from about 90 to 21.

The plan envisages building 48 apartments fronting the Sterling Road approach and eight apartments replacing unoccupied office accommodation above the store, with 56 private parking spaces and three visiting ones.

But Kidlington residents raised concerns about visual pollution, traffic congestion and decreased shopping options.

Retired electrical goods buyer Rita Brown, who has lived in Kidlington for 49 years, said: “What is the point in spoiling something which is very functional at the moment?

“The plans look like a prison. There is no character to them. It is ruining the look of the village and it is such a shame.”

Before the meeting Cantay managing director Tony Nolan said the intention of the consultation was to hear the views of local people and that a number of adjustments were now being considered.

He said: “Oxford has become increasingly expensive and Kidlington is seen as a growth area.

“With the new station it could bring increased demand.

“The store will be about a third of its size and I think the Co-op wants to offer a site that is more manageable.

“Co-op wants to maintain a presence here.”

He added that he hoped the planning application would be submitted within a month and should it be granted the company aimed to complete the store renovation by 2016 and the flats by 2017.

Benmead Road resident David Simmons, who has lived in Kidlington for 46 years, described the prospect of fewer car parking spaces as “ridiculous”.

But surveyor for the Co-op Richard Holmes said the downsizing of the store and its car park were necessary to sustain its future.

He added: “What the Co-op wants to do is provide a store which is suitable for the level of trade they anticipate and safeguard its future.”