HOPE is fading that a last minute deal will be struck to secure plans for a leisure complex in Bicester.

Planners were told there seemed little chance that the Highways Agency would change its position on traffic impact concerns over the plans for a £20m cinema, bowling alley and restaurant complex.

A decision was due to be taken on the application last week but councillors had to defer it due to the road wrangles.

Bob Duxbury, southern area planning officer, told Cherwell district councillors if the Highways Agency continued to impose a "power of direction" to refuse the application they will have no choice when they decide the issue next month.

The Highways Agency has major concerns about the access arrangements and the interference with a major trunk road. The scheme would link the Middleton Stoney Road to the A41. Applicant London and Metropolitan have been negotiating without success.

Mr Duxbury said: "Further discussions were held on Monday.

"I have to say I'm positive had there been a sign of solution to this one of those two parties would have picked the phone up to me."

Oxfordshire county councillors also voiced their opposition to the scheme.

Bicester Mayor Les Sibley, also a Cherwell member, said the county council had no right to oppose the scheme and should be willing to see leisure facilities provided.

He added: "The county council has been happy to use Bicester as a dumping ground for housing allocations."

Councillor David Mark- ham said: "I find the county council interference totally unnecessary."

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