AN APPLICATION to build a car-free development in what the city council said is the most sustainable location in Oxford was given the go-ahead by councillors for a second time.

The project to build three houses and 35 flats on the site of the former Murco petrol station in Cowley had already got planning permission.

But 13 city councillors – led by Cowley’s independent councillor David Henwood – said they wanted it looked at again, mainly over worries over traffic and access. The authority’s planning review committee approved again it on Tuesday.

Just six parking spaces will be provided in the development and residents will be strongly discouraged from owning a car.

The council has insisted cars will not be necessary in an area close to the Templars Square shopping centre, the Templars Retail Park and major bus routes.

Some councillors initially said they had reservations over the limited parking but eventually voted for the application.

It can be seen as a first major test for the city council’s policy of car-free developments, which it wants to see far more of in the future.

It sees them as a critical tool in an effort to drive down pollution and congestion. They are included in the authority’s Local Plan. Approved this year, it is subject to approval by a planning inspector.