Bicester eco-town opponents call for support (From thisisoxfordshire)

Bicester eco-town opponents call for support

9:10pm Thursday 13th August 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)

CAMPAIGNERS are whipping up support for another public meeting in Bicester to decide how to fight plans for a 5,000-home development.

Former town planner Tony Ives is urging residents opposed to the eco town on the edge of Bicester to turn out for talks on thwarting the project.

Last month the Government said thousands of homes could be built on farmland between Bucknell and Caversfield.

Cherwell District Council put forward the North West Bicester site as an alternative to 15,000 homes at Weston Otmoor.

Development consortium P3Eco is now drawing up detailed plans.

But Mr Ives, a former town planner at Vale of the White Horse District Council, has major concerns about the size and location of the eco town, as well as extra traffic.

He criticised Cherwell for lack of consultation and added: “The proposal fails on every count. The plan would result in pressure on class sizes for many years at Bicester schools, especially Bicester Community College and Cooper School.”

Michael Gibbard, Cherwell’s executive member for planning and housing, said: “Community involvement is paramount and we will be consulting intensively and vigorously as the scheme develops, not only for North West Bicester but for the whole of the town.”

He said the development would provide 5,000 jobs and homes.

The meeting will take place at Bicester Methodist Church Hall on Thursday, September 17, at 7.15pm.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)