PLANS to build 54 new flats in Kidlington will not include more shops in the development, despite residents claiming not doing so would “kill” the village centre.

More than 60 people had their say on plans to reduce the size of the High Street Co-op by two thirds, at a public meeting with developers Cantay Estates on Wednesday night.

Residents complained that the site should be used for more independent shops, and that with the opening of Oxford Parkway station the area would turn into a dormitory village for commuters.

Consultant for the Co-op, Richard Holmes said that more retail space would not be needed, as an increase in convenience stores and Sainsburys meant fewer people were shopping in the village centre.

Cantay Estates director Tony Nolan said: “As we are developers we want to make a profit.

“We are not going to do something which would incur a loss. Retail on the ground floor is not something that we would look to do. It is not on the agenda.”

He added the flats would be sold rather than rented, with some designated as affordable housing.

Mr Nolan said: “The district council wanted development with some form of star- up homes offering flats to people aged between about 20 and 40 at a 20 per cent discount. This is something that we will be looking at.”

Oxford Road resident Michael Makepeace said the development would be “detrimental” to the village’s shopping streets. He added: “One thing that has let Kidlington down has been that the parish council has not got a development plan for the village in the High Street area .”

A decision on the application is expected to be made at a Cherwell District Council planning committee meeting early next year.