PLANS to build houses on a former industrial site in Bicester have been criticised by residents worried about job opportunities.

An application has been submitted to demolish the former Lear Corporation Building in Bessemer Close to make way for 70 new homes.

Critics fear the loss of employment space – especially in light of the expected growth of the town, with several major developments such as the eco-town and Graven Hill under way.

Paul Jobling, who is a partner at Joblings Garage opposite the site, said in a written response: “This is an unacceptable change of use for a prime employment location, which also happens to be within close proximity to the town centre.

“Considering the town’s rapid housing development, it should be retained to provide a range of jobs and skills that complement the current employment offer for local people.

“Although the Lear building has remained unoccupied for some years, its value as an employment site is sound.”

The site, which is just off Launton Road, is on an industrial estate where the car interiors factory was once one of the biggest employers in the whole town.

There has been a factory on the site since 1960 when Bruce Engineers moved from Cowley to Bicester.

New plans from applicants Vanderbilt Homes and International Wood Agency Ltd would mean the industrial building is demolished and replaced with 21 affordable homes and 49 open market properties.

Oxfordshire County Council has no objections to the plans and in a response said the “suitable edge of town location” would allow residents to walk or cycle to key local services.

It also noted that the site was well located for nearby employment areas in Launton Road and Charbridge Lane.