WORK to develop an 'inspiring' centrepiece of glass walkways and restaurants for Oxfordshire’s newest village will start in January.

A hotel, covered market and American-style brasserie are among the ideas for the development at former RAF Upper Heyford after councillors approved plans.

It is the latest addition to the site, called Heyford Park, which has seen more than 1,000 homes and building developed including Heyford Park Free School.

Cherwell District Council lead member for planning Colin Clarke said: “These buildings date from 1925 and are representative of the British military style.

“These proposals will bring them back into use in a way that enhances the area while preserving the former base’s heritage.

“Through their work with the developer, council officers have helped establish a layout and architectural style that will reflect the military history of the base, reinforcing the heritage value of the settlement.

“At the same time, the proposals contain exciting design elements such as the glazed canopied link joining the two buildings, which will provide a large, multi-purpose area for markets and other gatherings.”

The base was made a conservation area in 2006 to help preserve its history as a Cold War military airfield.

In the 1970s the site was inhabited by 15,000 American servicemen and was the largest airfield in Europe.

It closed when it was returned to the Ministry of Defence in September 1994 and has since been subject to mass redevelopment lead by owners Dorchester Living which hope to build up to 2,600 homes on the site.

The latest state-of-the-art plans would provide a village centre for families including an American-style brasserie, boutique hotel, delicatessen and market hall, café and brunch bar, and outdoors seating and play areas.

Dorchester Living chief executive officer Paul Silver said: “This is an important milestone in the regeneration of Upper Heyford and our vision to create an exciting sustainable hub for enterprise, culture and living.

“We are re-imaging how a village should look and feel, and by pushing the boundaries of the buildings purpose, design and materials, we are creating great community spaces that people can be proud of and inspired to use.”

The village centre will be built to the north and south of Camp Road, with plans including a surgery, shops, and a heritage centre as a nod to the site’s history.

The south side includes the village green, market square and canopy for street markets and is expected to create about 40 jobs.

It will be built and extended from two former RAF buildings; building 455 has been approved for use as a hotel, and building 457 for use as a bar or brasserie. In between them a lightweight canopy for space to host markets.