CONCERNS have been raised by Headington residents over an influx of construction vehicles and increased bus routes during the development of new staff accommodation at the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals.

Last week Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust revealed plans to build new units to accommodate up to 90 people at the Churchill.

The plans, which have not yet been finalised, will also see the existing buildings at John Radcliffe’s Ivy Lane site demolished to be replaced with a new development ranging from three to six-storeys high, housing up to 465 people.

However, nearby residents have voiced fears over the inevitable construction traffic to and from the sites during the anticipated four-year construction process, while plans to move staff living at the John Radcliffe over to the Churchill during the development process could lead to more bus routes being developed through the area.

A recent meeting of residents’ group Headington Action discussed the plans.

The minutes of the meeting highlight concerns over the traffic movements during the construction which is not expected to be complete until 2023.

While members said the Science Transit shuttle bus and the Oxford Bus Company Pick-Me-Up mini bus coupled with hospital plans to run mini-buses to help their staff get into work during construction, could be cause for concern.

The group also said there may be some ‘controversy’ regarding the increase in height to six storeys on one side of the Ivy Lane site although the buildings adjacent to Osler Road, bordering the conservation area, will be kept at three storeys.

Elsa Bell of Headington Action said: “We will be keeping a close eye on it.

“While we support new accommodation for hospital workers we also need to make sure it doesn’t negatively affect residents in Headington.”

An A2Dominion spokesperson said: “The construction traffic management plan will be developed in close collaboration between A2Dominion and the trust’s travel and transport team to ensure disruption on the Churchill site is kept to a minimum.”

Responding to the concerns about additional bus routes, an OUH spokesman added: “Some trust staff members currently living in Churchill Hospital accommodation already walk or cycle to the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and the John Radcliffe Hospital.

“As a result, there is no reason for this to change during the development of the Ivy Lane flats.”

The plans will see car parking at the Ivy Lane site reduced, with plans for a car club under discussion.

OUH, which employs around 12,000 staff, said the new accommodation is ‘essential’ in helping to attract staff to the hospitals with the trust currently in the midst of a recruitment and retention crisis.

There are currently around 450 nursing posts that remain unfilled at the trust.

OUH currently has more than 950 properties used for staff accommodation offered at approximately 20 per cent below market rents.

The new units are expected to be offered at a similar rate.

A planning application for the developments is expected to be submitted this winter.