OXFORD'S Northern Gateway development has been delayed as discussions continue on transport links in and around the site.

Earlier this year developer Thomas White Oxford, owned by St John's College, held two public exhibitions on the masterplan for the science park in North Oxford, which will feature 500 new homes.

The firm said at the time it hoped to submit a planning application this autumn and start construction in 2018 but a spokesman said the application would now be submitted next year following more consultation.

The exhibitions and public consultation came after the city council won backing for an area action plan, which included 90,000 sq m of employment land, 500 new homes, 2,500 sq m retail space, a hotel, road improvements, cycle paths and public spaces.

City council leader Bob Price said: "I always thought the initial timetable was ambitious and would have been surprised if it had gone ahead so quickly but it's better to do it slowly and get it right.

"Discussions have been taking place between the developers, the city council and the county council on how the network of roads on the site relates to the wider urban network.

"The developers want to make the Northern Gateway a genuine urban quarter, with new homes and restaurants, not just a place where cars are parked and that make access issues more important.

"It's possible the complexities of linking these elements with the A40 and A44 have been underestimated."

Wolvercote and Summertown county councillor Jean Fooks said some residents, including those in Wolvercote, were concerned the new development would add to traffic congestion.

She added: "The Northern Gateway will put extra pressure on infrastructure, particularly the roads network and local schools."

The exhibitions said the Northern Gateway would be "an integrated urban environment, not a business park or satellite campus" with high environmental standards.

About 15 per cent would be public spaces, including garden squares with water features where people could relax, and there would also be a nursery, market, shops and restaurants.

Roads such as the A40 and A44 bordering the site could have their speed limits reduced to 30mph and be renamed to make the development feel connected to the rest of the city.

Spokesman for Thomas White Oxford, Kevin Fulcher, said work was continuing on the masterplan.

He added: "Residents’ feedback from the public consultation in April is helping to shape the revised proposals.

"The Northern Gateway scheme includes 500 homes as part of the development of an innovation quarter, to support the city’s knowledge-based economy.

"The scheme will also provide retail units, including restaurants and cafés, creating a destination for residents.

"A further consultation on the emerging masterplan is planned for early 2017, with an outline planning application expected to follow later in the year."

County council spokesman Martin Crabtree said: "Discussions between the county council, city council and Northern Gateway developers are continuing."