A CITY council project for 38 homes in Cowley will go back to councillors despite being passed earlier this month.

Approval was given for a five-storey block and three houses in Between Towns Road.

It is designated as a ‘car-free’ development and would have just six car parking spaces.

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A total of 13 city councillors have said they want the plan looked at again for multiple reasons.

They say neighbours and air quality would be badly affected if nearby St Omer Road is used as the only access for the site. That would give ‘insufficient space’ for vehicles to use, they claim.

Oxford Mail:

The possibility that the new site would overlook homes was ‘not addressed’ in a council report heard at a meeting when the project was signed off, they added.

They also said ‘insufficient’ parking would be given for visitors.

The development would be built on the former Murco petrol station site.

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Getting the application passed again will be a test for the council, which hopes to encourage far more car-free developments across the city.

It says in its Local Plan that the ‘opportunities for successful car-free housing are high because of the number of controlled parking zones (CPZs), the availability of walking and cycling routes and the excellent public transport options.’

Car-free developments should be built if developments are within a 400m walk to 'frequent' public transport pick-up points.

Oxford Mail:

Residents must also be within an 800m walk from a local supermarket or ‘equivalent facilities’.

Those opposed to the scheme going ahead include Cowley city councillor David Henwood and its county councillor John Sanders. They both spoke at the East Area planning committee, which passed the application, on April 3.

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Mr Henwood said: “The recent introduction of the ‘car-free’ Venue community hub in Cowley has borne witness to residents simply parking cars in nearby streets.

“This is also true of the flats on Barnes Road, where little parking provision has created congestion in neighbouring streets.”

The council's planning review committee will be asked to pass the application at a meeting this Tuesday.