THE Ministry of Defence is urging residents to have their say over its housing plans for Graven Hill – despite a council ruling out homes there for at least 16 years.

Defence Estates, the property arm of the MoD, wants to build 1,650 houses plus schools, businesses, a woodland, sports land and allotments at Bicester Defence Storage and Distribution Centre, off the A41.

This is despite a decision by Cherwell District Council that the land was not needed because a planned 5,000-home eco-town in north west Bicester would meet housing needs.

Defence Estates say the council’s local plan – a policy for future housing – is still open for consultation and landowners can therefore still put forward potential sites.

Philippa Charles, Defence Estates project manager, said the move was essential to support the forces.

The centre stores vital military equipment.

She said: “Creating a mixed employment and residential development on MoD land at Graven Hill will boost the local economy by creating about 4,000 extra jobs, while making good use of brownfield land.

“Residential development is essential to make the plans financially viable, but, with its rail connectivity, MoD Bicester would also represent a unique opportunity to improve freight transport links in the south east.

“Redeveloping the MoD site will also give a boost to businesses within Bicester town centre, which is within walking distance.”

Michael Gibbard, council executive member for planning and housing, said: “Our view is that there is scope to work co-operatively on a long term plan for land release and appropriate redevelopment.

“In particular we are keen to support the continued defence supplies and garrison presence in the town.

“However the current proposals are premature and do not fit in at all with our plans.”

The proposals will be on show on Thursday and Friday, September 22 and 23, from noon to 9pm in the ground floor hall at Courtyard Youth Arts Centre, Launton Road.

Visit gravenhill.info or call 01926 439000 for more information.

  • RESIDENTS are being asked to help shape the future of a former MoD site at RAF Bicester.

The Skimmingdish Lane site was sold this year for £2m to Buyer City and Country Group.

It has 22 buildings, including 17 Grade II listed buildings, a parade ground, offices, storage, laboratories and a restaurant.

Helen Moore, Buyer’s residential managing director, said: “We are delighted to begin our consultation on the domestic site to find a long-term and sustainable future for this well-known local site.

“The site has played an important role in the heritage of RAF Bicester, and given that it has lain vacant since 2008, it is time a scheme was brought forward to secure its future.

“We look forward to meeting with residents and stakeholders to hear their views and discuss how our proposals can best reflect its historic character.”

The site was recently home to the Defence Supply Chain. One building is still used by Bicester Air Cadets.

A public exhibition will be held at the site’s Building 32 today from 3pm to 8pm and tomorrow from 11am to 3pm.

To see the plans visit modcaversfield.co.uk