CONTRACTORS are poised for work to soon start on another sprawling controversial warehouse site to be built in Bicester.

Major plans to build 500,000 sq ft warehouse development - the size of almost eight football pitches - were approved for Howes Lane in July 2017.

It followed a lengthy battle from almost all Bicester councillors on the Cherwell District Council planning committee to refuse the plans, among many nearby residents.

But following a threat of an appeal from developers Albion Land, the plans were resubmitted as two applications and ultimately approved.

READ AGAIN: 'New industrial park will turn Bicester into a 'warehouse town' and lead to danger on the roads'

Now, developers have said work on the site 'Axis J9' will start this summer.

Albion Land director Simon Parson said: "Bicester is a very exciting development location with occupiers and investors increasingly recognising the availability of a skilled and expanding workforce, great infrastructure and many first class amenities.

"Axis J9 is set to be a success and we look forward to construction starting".

The development includes five warehouses up to 15m tall, as well as up to 150 homes at the junction of Howes Lane and Middleton Stoney Road.

Initial concerns for the plans included fears of safety along Howes Lane where developers plan to create a temporary access to the site.

At the time Derwent Green Residents Group chairman Stephen Rand said "Everyone in the group is extremely frustrated and disappointed by the decision, which will inevitably increase the already dangerous and unacceptable level of traffic on Howes Lane."

Howes Lane is currently subject to proposals to realign the entire road and create a new crossing under the railway line to make the road better suited to growing Bicester.

Councillors argued this should come before more building in the area.

READ AGAIN: Government funding to upgrade 'overused' Howes Lane link road in Bicester

Albion Land have already built a further warehouse development off the A41 called Link 9 which includes seven warehouses in total.

These have been taken on by businesses such as British Bakels which is expanding its base in the town.

White commercial surveyors managing director Chris White said: "We are seeing substantial interest in Bicester at the current time from a number of corporate occupiers who cannot find suitably sized or new industrial/warehousing accommodation to suit their requirements in Oxford or in the southern sector of the M40 towards London.

"This location at Junction 9 of the M40 provides the answer for many companies wishing to expand into modern facilities which incorporate accommodation suited to maximise use, flexibility, production and warehousing."

Work is expected to take one year.