A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to downsize Kidlington’s Co-op and build 56 new apartments should be submitted within a week, according to its developers.

Cantay Estates Ltd has said adjustments could be made to the new buildings which have been described as “something from Eastern Europe” by one resident.

The proposal is to reduce the size of the High Street Co-op by two thirds, keeping its travel store and post office, and cut the number of car parking spaces from about 90 to 21.

A total of 48 apartments will be built fronting the Sterling Road approach and eight apartments replacing unoccupied office accommodation above the store.

There would be 56 private parking spaces and three visiting ones.

Cantay managing director Tony Nolan said: “We are not yet ready to submit the application, but hopefully in a week we will be ready to give in our plans.”

The company held a two-hour consultation meeting at Exeter Hall on August 10 for residents to have their say on the changes. Visitors were shown artists’ impressions of the proposed designs.

Alan Lodwick, a member of Kidlington Development Watch, said residents still had concerns over the “considerable” loss of retail floor space and parking for shoppers.

He said: “This proposal does not contribute anything that will improve the character of the village centre, or create more attractive spaces for its users.

“By cramming in as much as possible on to the site, it would do quite the reverse.”

Mr Lodwick also argued that councillors from Kidlington Parish Council and Cherwell District Council should focus on creating a long-term plan for the future of the village.

He said: “The long-term future of the site should not be left to a decision on a speculative planning application taken in isolation.

“The Co-op itself, which has a long history in the village, could also be encouraged to create something much better for Kidlington.”

Before the meeting, Mr Nolan told visitors a number of adjustments were being considered.

While the proposals are considered by Cantay Estates the plans have been removed from its website.

Surveyor for the Co-op Richard Holmes previously said the downsizing of the store and its car park were necessary to sustain its future.