Plans for the biggest housing development in Oxford in a generation have cleared their first hurdle after winning the approval of councillors.

The city council’s east area planning committee tonight approved an outline planning application for the 885-home estate at a special meeting.

The development will extend the existing Barton estate to the west, and include a new primary school, a park, retail space, a hotel, shops and community facilities.

A total of £16.6m will also be spent by developer Barton Oxford LLP, a partnership of the city council and developer Grosvenor, on infrastructure like transport links, school places and community services.

The approval comes despite pleas from residents of nearby areas for planners to think again, with concerns about flooding, access and transport raised at the meeting.

But Labour and Lib Dem councillors approved the plans, claiming more detailed discussion would take place when a full application is made in the new year.