Councillors sitting on Cherwell's south area planning sub-committee are angry the meeting has been changed to a different venue - in the north of the district.

Instead of meeting at Strafield Brake sports pavilion, Kidlington, the venue has been switched to the council chamber at Cherwell District Council's head offices at Bodicote House, Bodicote, outside Banbury.

Councillors were told of the venue change on their agenda papers for the meeting in August and said the change illustrated the council's emphasis on Banbury.

Dick Makepeace, of Heyford ward, said: "I would prefer the location for the meeting to be in the south. Having the committee at Bodicote House will add considerable travel difficulties as we often have to visit sites over planning applications.

"Working with other councillors at Cooper School or Stratfield Brake has resulted in a good non-party corporate relationship."

He said this atmosphere did not prevail at Bodicote House when he had attended north area planning meetings.

Cllr Makepeace he was not consulted over the change and thought it was an example of Banbury ruling over the southern half of the district.

Cllr Lawrie Stratford, of Bicester East ward, said: "I feel the meetings should be in the southern area so we are closer to applicants and objectors. Unfortunately, there is no ideal venue in the south.

"Although the change idea did go through the committee system, I think councillors should have been written to about the new location."

Cllr Stratford, who is also Bicester town mayor, said that if town councillors re-built their offices at The Garth in Launton Road, a suitable room might then be provided.

Cherwell's chief executive officer, Grahame Handley, said: "It was a decision made by members.

"For reasons of accommodation, car parking and the presentation of planning applications, it was decided to transfer the meeting to Bodicote House."

Mr Handley said the change would mean officers did not have to transport files, a projector and other equipment to a venue in the south.

The committee has been held at various locations over the years including the offices of Bicester Town Council in Launton Road, Bicester, and the performance hall at Cooper School in Churchill Road, Bicester.