DETAILED plans for an 'eco-town' near Weston-on-the-Green have been unveiled by developers.
Parkridge, which submitted plans to the department for communities and local government to build an 'eco-town' near the Oxfordshire village, has released proposals detailing what would be included in the development. The scheme has been included in
a Government shortlist of 15 proposals.
The development, called Weston Otmoor, would be expected to cover around 2,000 acres on land owned by the Ministry of Defence and on greenbelt and farmland.
It would include around 10,000 homes, public space, employment space offering around 12,000 jobs, two secondary and eight primary schools, space for allotments and smallholdings, and a park-and-ride site.
Buses and trams to nearby railway stations have also been included along with free public transport to Oxford and Bicester for residents, with plans to provide funding to help open the East West Rail Link.
A spokesman from Parkridge said the firm would be working with public bodies, local authorities and the public to develop the proposals further.
He said: "Parkridge aims for the proposals to be exemplary in terms of protecting the environment, reflecting the needs of the local area and its existing communities, and in the delivery of innovative public transport, as well as delivering much needed housing in an area where people want to live."
The shortlist of bids was announced by housing minister Caroline Flint earlier this month. Local authorities are being consulted with a view to the list being shortened to 10 preferred bids.
Local authorities and other interested organisations will have until June 30 to give their response.
Inclusion of the proposed scheme in the shortlist has sparked worry from residents in nearby Weston-on-the-Green and local councillors.
Timothy Hallchurch, Oxfordshire county councillor for Otmoor and Kirtlington, said he was concerned part of the project would use greenbelt land and added there was also a possibility the MoD would not be happy about losing the airfield, which is a key site for parachute training. He also said parts of the development area were classed as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Residents vow to fight on as eco-town makes shortlist. Click
here. The full article contains 399 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
