SHEEP, pigs and chickens could soon be seen in Oxford as part of plans for a new urban farm in Cowley.

After six years of planning, Oxford Farm Steering Group held the final consultation on Saturday (April 18) to unveil to residents designs for the farm off Cornwallis Road.

The group recently reached a leasing agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and now hopes to submit planning applications to get on site as soon as possible.

It comes after lengthy negotiations over access to the land originally owned by St Gregory the Great School. The site, near Florence Park, was taken over by the county council when the school became an academy in April 2013.

Lucie Mayer, chairwoman of the farm steering group, said: “It has been a very long time coming, the steering group has been meeting for about six or seven years.

“We want to get growing on site, we are really very keen and to get smaller animals on site but the development I expect will be in phases.”

The design for the urban farm, planned for derelict land off Cornwallis Road, includes a border of vegetable plots, flower beds, forest gardens and orchards. The centre of the farm will feature sections for sheep, goats, chickens and ducks as well as a pond.

The group, which has been consulting neighbours, also hopes to build a classroom and cafe if permission is granted.

Ms Mayer said: “We have had some worries, but things that we can address we have taken into account like the smell or having animals near people's fences.

“Ultimately we hope there will be a cafe and classroom space for lots of different activities for all ages."

The group hopes to submit plans to Oxford City Council in July.

Luca Beekmayer, 8, who lives in Florence Park said: “I think it will be good because it lets everyone in city get a chance to have a look at animals and if they want to do something in the farm.”

A small number of paid staff will be employed at the city farm but the team will be made up mostly by volunteers.

The farm will be funded by local events, room hire, animal sponsors and produce sales, as well as grants and donations.

The group is in the process of applying for grants from community funds offered by Aviva and Jewson.