Town MP Tony Baldry spoke out in Parliament last week over the Weston Otmoor plan, saying more Government consultation was needed with local people over proposals he feared could undermine the viability of Bicester.

Mr Baldry said: "If it is built, the Weston Otmoor eco-town will be home to 25,000 people, growing eventually to 35,000, with 10 schools – two secondary and eight primary – and 15,500 properties.

"Apart from the fact that such a development might well undermine the vitality and viability of a town such as Bicester, it seems bizarre that it is to be imposed by ministers with no local consultation or involvement."

But town councillor Les Sibley has said it was important to carefully examine the eco-town proposal to see if any benefits could be gained. "We should not dismiss this out of hand, let's have a look at the details and have a proper debate on the positives and negatives," he said.

Cllr Sibley said the eco-town could strengthen the case for a new Bicester hospital, provide affordable housing, help pay for improvements to the M40 Junction 9, and upgrade local railways.
But he said he would support campaigners from the nearby village of Weston-on-the-Green, who oppose the Weston Otmoor plan, if the disadvantages were shown to outweigh the advantages.

Wildlife campaigners are also concerned at the plans, fearing a new town could have a devastating impact on rare plants and wildlife.

The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), which owns reserve land at the proposed eco-town site, said: "The boundary of the proposed town includes a significant part of one of the best wildlife sites in the country, part of which is owned by BBOWT. This area, known as Wendlebury Meads and Mansmoor Closes, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest – a national designation which protects important wildlife areas – as it is one of the largest continuous complexes of wildflower meadows still surviving today."

The Oxon branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has also hit out at the scheme.

However, the national homelessness charity Shelter supports the eco-town concept, as it would provide much-needed new homes.

The Weston Otmoor plan has been included on a shortlist of 15 potential 'eco-town' sites. The Government list will be reduced to 10 later in the year.

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