VIEWS of allotments and a community centre from the balconies of new homes in West Oxford have been replaced by 'misleading pictures' of idyllic countryside in a marketing campaign.

The 'Beaumont Gate' development in Abbey Road has been completed and six luxury houses are on the market for about £1.3m each.

But the views in promotional material appear to omit the New Botley Allotments and West Oxford Community Centre which homeowners would see from their balconies.

Oxford Mail:

The backdrop for the new homes - pic. SWNS

An estate agent told the Oxford Mail the pictures might breach the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPR), which prevents agents and property managers from misleading buyers.

City councillor for the area, Susanna Pressel, said she hoped prospective buyers would visit to see the real view.

Oxford Mail:

The view from the rear - pic. SWNS

She said: "The photo which purports to show the view from one of the balconies is very misleading, so I hope that prospective purchasers will come along to see the place for themselves, before shelling out that enormous asking price.

"Local people will be very relieved that this development is at last almost finished.

"Some are, however, disappointed that the houses do not have the sash windows that are typical of the street, though we had been led to believe that they would have.

"There is also great disappointment about the ugly wall at the back of the new buildings, along the Thames towpath.

"Fortunately there are some new social rented flats on the same site."

Anyone found to have breached the CPR can face criminal charges if brought forward by the local authority trading standards.

But agents and managers have a defence provided they can demonstrate they took all reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence.

Sales and marketing director for CALA Homes, Helen Colman, said the development has attracted so much interest the homes were put on the market earlier than planned.

Oxford Mail:

The homes during construction - pic. SWNS

She said: "We have been inundated with enquiries about the new townhouses at Beaumont Gate, which is why we’ve decided to release the homes now, prior to the showhome opening.

"Nestled in the heart of Oxford, Beaumont Gate offers a special opportunity to own a stylish new home in a highly sought-after area.

"Located by the riverside, these exceptional homes offer quality specification, low maintenance and the finest contemporary lifestyle, while befitting from a remarkable location, just 150m from the train station and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants found in Oxford city centre."

CALA Homes has not yet responded to a request for comment about the 'misleading' views.