NORTH Oxford residents have voiced concerns about the impact of the proposed Oxford to London Marylebone route on their properties.

Residents close to the upgraded line fear vibrations from faster, more frequent services could add to already serious structural problems at some homes.

Keith Dancey, of Upper Wolvercote, said he had already spent more than £100,000 on structural repairs.

Concerns have been raised with local councillors by more than 25 residents from St Peter’s Road, Blenheim Drive, Lakeside and Linkside.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Evan Harris raised concerns about the proposed new £262m Chiltern Railways project with Transport Minister Sadiq Khan, as it emerged that a public inquiry will be held into the scheme in the autumn.

In the Commons, Dr Harris said: “Chiltern Railways’ proposed new Rail route from Oxford to London Marylebone via Bicester is welcome, but there are concerns among residents of North Oxford about frequent and, because of their speed, noisier trains passing their houses.”

The minister agreed to Dr Harris’s request for a meeting to discuss Oxford residents’ problems.

Mr Khan said: “The announcement of the project has some downsides.”

Mr Dancey said he and others living in 16 flats at Quadrangle House in Upper Wolvercote had been forced to replace roofs and suffered severe wall cracks.

Mr Dancey, a mathematician who is looking after his seriously ill wife, said: “My flat is about 10 metres from the Oxford-Bicester line.

“The main problem is excessive and dangerous vibration from heavy freight, from the speed and axle weight from passing trains.

“The buildings move. It’s no different to small earthquakes.

“The line speed during the 1970s was 40mph and there were no passenger trains.

“Chiltern Railways’ proposals include moving the line nearer to our house, increasing the line speed, increasing the frequency and length of trains, which will increase the vibrations.

“The speed of freight trains will be increased to 60mph and that of passenger trains to 75mph. Without significant mitigation, the safety of our property and its occupants are at serious risk.“ Nick Cottam, for Chiltern Railways, said: “Noise insulation, such as double glazing, to those properties that are eligible under the Noise Insulation Regulations, will be statutorily required. Only six buildings are likely to be eligible, although noise insulation may be offered to other properties where it is the best way of mitigating high noise impacts.

“Although not statutorily required to do so, Chiltern Railways is exploring ways to provide noise mitigation for other properties which will suffer a substantial or high noise impact.”

Chiltern Railways submitted an application to the Government under the Transport and Works Act.

The scheme would upgrade the Oxford to Bicester line, creating a new station at Water Eaton with a 1,000 space car park, and new platforms at Bicester and Oxford stations.