The consortium behind the £300m Westgate scheme has moved quickly to try to win over local cyclists.

Green Party councillors had expressed concern that the massive development failed to provide adequate facilities for cyclists.

But the Westgate Partnership this week announced that it would be increasing the number of cycle stands within the shopping development site to 700 - an increase of 400 on the existing 300 stands.

But the announcement was immediately dismissed as "a sop" by the Green Party, who are demanding a three-fold increase in cycling provision around the development.

Steve Beverley, Capital Shopping Centres sustain- able travel manager, said the proposed development would now provide 354 on-street cycle spaces and 180 staff cycle spaces in covered and secure conditions.

The Westgate project includes plans to build 127 new city centre apartments - and there would be 132 residential cycle spaces within the residential blocks and 50 secure public cycle spaces within a cycle shop.

Mr Beverley said: "There are currently close to 300 spaces around Westgate, many of which are in poor locations and not well utilised regularly.

"Our proposals will provide a significant increase in spaces and we are working closely with the city and county councils to confirm the optimum locations to maximise usage."

Mr Beverley was involved in drawing up a sustainable travel plan submitted to the city council with the planning application.

But Craig Simmons, leader of Oxford City Council's Green group, said: "The development will see the shopping floor space increase by a factor of three.

"To be in proportion to that, there needs to be a three-fold increase in provision for cyclists rather than just a doubling."

He said the quality of the provision for cyclists was also an important factor.

He added: "There will be covered parking for car users, so why not for cyclists?"

He also urged changing and repair facilities.

Last month, Oxford City Council's strategic development control committee voted to grant the scheme planning permission.

The Westgate Partnership is a joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Coal Pension Properties Ltd.

The planning application and conditions will be submitted to the Government Office for the South East within the next few days, with the Government left to decide whether there will be a public inquiry.