Weston eco town plans take step forward (From Oxford Mail)

Weston eco town plans take step forward

9:52am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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The prospect of a massive 15,000-home eco town development in Weston-on-the-Green near Bicester took a step forward today, after it was included on a list of potential national sites.

The Government has drawn up a list of potential eco town locations, dubbed "Brown's Town's".

The parents of former Oxfordshire tennis star Tim Henman have spearheaded the fight against the plans.

Anthony Henman, 67, fears the village would be ruined by the proposed development and has formed the Weston Front campaign group.

He said: "If we wanted to live in a town we would go to Oxford, Banbury or Bicester but we don't. We love village life, the small close-knit community and the open fields."

However, Ed Turner, the deputy leader of Oxford Labour group, said: "The principle is a good one and it will provide more housing and extra infrastructure.

"And it will boost the rail link between Oxford, Bicester and London - that is an exciting prospect."

Plans to build a 5,000-home development at the disused Shipton Quarry site near Kidlington failed to make it on to the list.

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