RESIDENTS who live by an industrial area are fighting proposals to build three storage units, saying the area’s sewerage system will not be able to cope.

Company Rego (Oxford) Ltd has applied to build the units to provide 3,509 square metres of accommodation for business, general industrial and storage or distribution use in Ledgers Close, Littlemore.

The site is proposed to have 31 car parking spaces and 15 cycle spaces.

But residents in Spring Lane, which borders the site, have objected to the plans, saying the units will mean the area’s water system will be unable to cope with extra sewage.

They have also objected to the height of the units, the proximity of houses to the site and the noise and extra lorry traffic this could cause.

Richard Lincoln, of Spring Lane, said: “How would the mains cope in Spring Lane? There has already been a problem with flooding. This project will destroy our current lifestyles, making the house like a prison.”

He added: “Heavy lorries and the dropping of pallets cause the house to vibrate. This being a Victorian cottage, vibrations will cause structural damage.”

Neighbour Keith Manning said: “The fire break for a building of this size is not large enough for my comfort. The planned building is too close.”

Spring Lane resident Tina Hill said: “Spring Lane already has a problem with drains blocking as the additional housing estates around the area have been added to the existing system of pipes that are ill repaired and badly maintained.

“Cars park adjacent to Spring Lane, making it increasingly difficult for residents of the lane to turn on to Sandy Lane West.

“It is dangerous for motorists and children attending St John Fisher School. This will not improve with HGV lorries also travelling up and down Spring Lane – an accident waiting to happen.”

David Henwood, chairman of Littlemore Parish Council’s planning committee, told a meeting of the parish council on Tuesday that the committee has objected to the plans.

He said: “It will take away the quality of life along that lane.”

But Thames Water has not objected to the proposal or its potential impact on the infrastructure.

In a statement, it said: “With regard to surface water drainage it is the responsiblity of a developer to make proper provision for drainage to ground, water courses or a suitable sewer.”

Rego’s agent Savills declined to comment. The application 13/01119/FUL can be viewed at http://oxford.gov.uk