HIGHWAYS bosses have weighed in to support residents’ objections to turning Oxford’s former masonic lodge into homes.

They have expressed concerns about the development making the busy Banbury Road unsafe.

In a report Steven McMillan, a senior transport planner at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The ground floor site plan shows the three vehicular access points to the proposed development.

“None of these would allow a larger vehicle (refuse, delivery etc.) to turn within the site in order to be able to leave in a forward gear.

“Larger vehicles would be required to reverse into either Capel Close or Banbury Road to the detriment of highway safety.”

Development company Homespace wants to transform 333 Banbury Road into 17 family homes.

Until September 2012 the site was home to the Oxford Centre, which was used as a masonic lodge and conference centre.

But The Oxford Centre was put on the market by the Oxfordshire Masonic Hall Company last year with eight members of staff made redundant.

Its closure was put down to lack of conference trade, which made it increasingly difficult to cover maintenance and operating costs.

Mr McMillan adds: “There are 30 allocated parking spaces proposed to serve the 17 dwelling development, together with three unallocated (operational and visitor) spaces.

“The three unallocated spaces proposed do not meet Oxfordshire County Council parking standards and this would be likely to result in inconsiderate, inconvenient and inappropriate on-site and off-site parking.”

He added that nine unallocated spaces would probably be needed to meet demand.

The centre sits in 1.3 acres of grounds and the original “villa” building dates back to 1823 . Historically known as Summerhill, it was acquired by the Masons more than 50 years ago.

As part of the development, which includes two houses and 15 flats, the historic building will be retained.

But residents have objected to the scheme.

Squitchey Lane resident Jocelyn Urban said: “In principle we would like to see the site developed for housing, but object to the current plans for several reasons.

“The current modern extension is not attractive but the proposed block of terrace houses is equally unattractive and will not improve the appearance of the site.”

Victor Regoczy, director of Homespace, said the county council’s concerns were “a load of rubbish”.

He added: “We have carried out every survey you could imagine and every one came out positively, including the one relating to traffic.

“If the county council has concerns they can write to us.”

A transport study created for the developer says: “Banbury Road is a busy arterial route into Oxford.

“However, data suggests that the proposed development will create less vehicular trips than the current land use. This will reduce the total volume of traffic in the area.

“It is considered that 333 Banbury Road is an excellent location for sustainable residential development.”

A decision on the planning application will be taken by a planning committee of Oxford City Council at a date to be announced.