CONCERNS have been raised over a proposed extension of the A&E department at the John Radcliffe Hospital by both Oxfordshire County Council and transport bosses.

Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach have warned the proposals would increase the risk to pedestrians and worsen access and congestion at the site.

Similar concerns have been raised by the council’s transport officer.

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is proposing to extend the current A&E facilities to include additional bays to care for seriously ill patients, a paediatric resuscitation room and a further six ambulance spaces.

If given the go-ahead, the project is expected to completed by 2020.

However, a county council transport officer said he could not back the plans which could worsen traffic congestion at the JR through the removal of a bus waiting area.

He also questioned the fact that no additional cycle parking was planned for the extra staff.

Bus bosses say the plans, which will see the building extended out toward the car park by the Women’s Centre, would reduce circulation space and could lead to buses 'over-sailing' pavements, which has proven a risk to pedestrians.

In its response to the application, the council said: “The use of public transport reduces the traffic generation of the site.

“Therefore, the county council cannot support any proposals that result in any disruption to bus services which could make the use of public transport less attractive for staff and visitors.”

Concerns over the use of smaller buses when creating traffic models for the plans have also been raised.

The bus companies said they were reluctant to hinder the proposals but ‘had no option’ but to raise the concerns.

Meanwhile, OUH is still deciding how to fund the project with capital funding reserved for the scheme as well as a bid for Government funding through the 'Sustainability and Transformation Partnership'.

A spokesman for OUH said: “This development is an important priority for the trust in continuing to deliver a high-quality service for patients.

“With that priority in mind, we have budgeted our own capital funding for the extension, as well as submitting a bid for STP funding. We will find out later this year if our bid is successful.”