OXFORD’s transport network will be unable to cope with the scale of new science developments in the city, a Kidlington campaigner says.

Alan Lodwick, of Kidlington Development Watch, is critical of plans for a new £90m science park near the village.

He said Oxford Technology Park, along with Begbroke Science Park, will put pressure on local transport networks.

Mr Lodwick said: “I do not think the scale of development is something that Oxford can cope with.

“There will be a large number of jobs created and for many people it is going to be a long journey to work.”

He said Oxfordshire County Council should have a greater role in deciding on the housing and economic development that take place. Currently, district councils are responsible for planning issues in their areas.

He said: “This is not to say no development should take place but these things should be better co-ordinated. There needs to be a wider plan by the county council.

“I would say that there is a case for spin-off research activities from Oxford University and I do understand why these companies want to be nearer to it.”

As part of the 40,000 sq m site, likely to open in 2025, there would be two three-storey buildings and smaller buildings for offices, labs and warehouses.

It is expected to create about 1,250 jobs.

Outline planning permission for the park on Langford Lane is to be considered by Cherwell District Council this month.

Kidlington parish councillor Alan Mackenzie-Wintle backs the plans, but added: “It is my view that any application like this should be considered within the district council’s local plan regarding Kidlington, which doesn’t include a huge number of homes.

“Many of these homes are instead being built in Banbury, Bicester and Upper Heyford.”

The land is owned by Angus Bates of Hill Street Holding, which will work with Bloombridge Development Partners.

Bloombridge’s Richard Cutler said the company had already pledged £700,000 to help improve Oxford’s bus and cycle network as part of the application.

He added: “The number of new jobs created will be a drop in the ocean compared to the number in the rest of Oxford.”

Cherwell councillors are reviewing whether to remove land, including the site, from the Green Belt as part of its Local Plan charting future development.