RESIDENTS warn they will “form a human blockade” to stop a major new housing development.

People in Northway, Oxford, say the Barton West scheme of up to 1,200 homes, will “destroy the identity” of their area – and insist they don’t want to become an extended part of Barton.

But last night a community leader in Barton hit back, branding the views “narrow-minded and old-fashioned”.

Oxford City Council, which will develop the site, has been displaying the housing plans as part of its public consultation, which ended on Friday.

Once complete, the 90-acre site near the A40, to the north-east of the city, will become the biggest housing development since Greater Leys.

The project could also include a new road for buses, cyclists and pedestrians linking Barton with Northway.

Doug Robinson, 55, of Foxwell Drive, said residents were “furious” at the plans.

He said: “You would not believe the anger felt by those living around here. We are not a part of Barton and this scheme will mean we become part of one huge estate. It will destroy our identity.

“People are prepared to form a human blockade to stop any development taking place. That’s how angry they are.”

A petition, calling for the development to be completely stopped, already has hundreds of signatures. The plans for Barton West include a new primary school, a local centre with shops and community and recreation facilities.

Preferred plans have homes facing on to the ring road and Barton Village Road, which would have reduced speed limits, and a new park alongside Bayswater Brook.

Mr Robinson added: “We don’t know if this new road will be a bridge over the A40 or whether a new junction will be created. Either way, it will go right by our houses and create a huge amount of noise.”

Sue Holden, secretary of the Barton Community Association, said: “It’s a slightly old fashioned and narrow-minded view. Both Barton and Northway will retain their identities and remain separate areas, but will be linked by a number of services.

“The estate has come on a huge amount in recent years and I’m sure people will find being linked to Barton is not as terrible as they first thought.”

Council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “We are pleased with the amount of feedback we have received as well as the number of people attending the consultation events.”

The council owns the land and plans to develop it with an investment partner. Subject to planning approval, work should start by December 2013.