RESIDENTS fear traffic chaos could result from a proposed redevelopment at the canal wharf in North Oxford.

Drawings for Aristotle House, at the junction of Hayfield Road and Aristotle Lane, show the 1960s office block replaced by two new offices.

Wadham College, which owns the site, also wants to build four town houses with gardens fronting on to the canal.

Drawings and a model of the proposed redevelopment were displayed at a public exhibition on Tuesday.

But city councillor Liz Wade, who represents St Margaret’s ward, said there were concerns the area was already busy, with parents dropping off and collecting children at St Philip and St James Primary School in nearby Navigation Way.

She said: “I’m not sure Wadham have really taken on board what a busy junction this is.”

Chairman of the St Margaret’s Road Area Society and city councillor for north ward, James Fry, said: “The main concern is around the reduction of parking space and the extra traffic it may bring.”

The public exhibition followed meetings between Wadham College and property consultants Carter Jonas with local residents and businesses in June and July.

The college will put in its planning application in December.

Aristotle House was built in the 1960s on the former site of Hayfield Wharf, used as a coal wharf. Nearby pub The Anchor Inn dates from 1796 when it served the canal boat trade.

College bursar Ian Thompson said: “Wadham is committed to this project and is undertaking consultation with the local community and other stakeholders to shape and sustain the long term future of the site.”

Carter Jonas has commissioned flood risk and archaeological assessments, a contaminated land study, tree survey to protect a willow on site and an ecological appraisal.

Carter Jonas head of planning Ian Gillespie said: “We have also instructed consultants to prepare a transport statement which will look at both parking and access into the site.”

“We will continue to work with the local community to redevelop Aristotle House for everyone’s benefit.”

Anyone wishing to have a say on the proposals should email aristotlehouse@carterjonas.co.uk by September 30.