PLANS to create a housing estate to help ease Oxford’s chronic housing shortage have gone on public display.

Last night residents were given the first glimpse of the proposed 1,200 home Barton West development, which is being touted as the key to solving the city’s housing problem.

A new primary school, community and recreation facilities and a local centre featuring shops could be in the pipeline.

But concerns were raised about the impact the development would have on roads in the area and the local sewerage system, while calls were made for more housing for elderly people.

Residents from nearby Old Marston were among the first to see the proposals, which could also include a new supermarket.

Helen Burlingham, of Edgeway Road, said she thought the development was needed.

But she added: “I think there should be more housing which would accommodate one person, especially for older people.

“I also have concerns that proper provision is put in place for the sewerage system.

“We already have problems in Old Marston when there is very heavy rain.”

Preferred plans for the site include building homes facing on to the ring road and Barton Village Road, which would have reduced speed limits, and a new park alongside Bayswater Brook. The proposed homes would be a mix of types with an emphasis on family homes. The allotments would be kept.

In February, the Oxford Mail revealed the council had to reduce the amount of social housing on the development from 50 per cent to 40 per cent.

Mike Gotch, city councillor for Wolvercote, said he was very much in favour of the scheme, but thought the plans should feature even more housing.

He added: “I think the number of houses could be greater.

“It is concentrated on family housing, but bedsits for single people should also be included.

“I also think extreme care needs to be taken in regard to lining the A40 with houses.

“I think they really need a bund or something to tackle the noise levels coming from the A40.”

Charlie Haynes, chairman of Old Marston Parish Council, discussed the impact the scheme could have on roads around Old Marston with a city council planning officer.

He said: “We are concerned about the levels of traffic coming through Old Marston village.

“It’s bad enough as it is without all the hundreds and hundreds of cars which will be coming in and out of the city.”

A city council spokes-man said the consultation would run until June 24.

Feedback will help inform a draft area action plan to be submitted to the Secretary of State in early 2012.

The next public drop-in session will be held on Thursday at Barton Neighbourhood Centre

  • To find out more about the scheme or participate in the online questionnaire, visit the Barton Development page at the city council website, oxford.gov.uk Print copies are freely available on request from planningpolicy@oxford.gov.uk.