A FORMER Ministry of Defence site should be used for affordable housing to help townsfolk get on the property ladder, MP Tony Baldry says.

The MoD has clashed with Cherwell District Council which has refused planning permission for a 1,650-home development at Graven Hill, near Bicester.

Mr Baldry said an affordable housing-only scheme should please both parties – but the MoD’s Defence Estates agency and Cherwell ruled it out.

The council is instead backing the controversial 5,000-home eco- town plan for the north west of the town.

Mr Baldry said that, based on the number of people who came to see him in his surgery, the lack of affordable social housing should not be underestimated.

He added: “If there is any surplus land, my suggestion is we should be saying to Defence Estates your land is surplus and you think it has a value.

“If Cherwell District Council granted planning permission, but only for houses that are shared ownership or social housing, and the MoD finds a housing association to develop the site, that way the MoD get some value for the land and we, the community, get more shared affordable or social housing.”

The council says Graven Hill would only be needed for housing after at least 16 years as the eco- town would meet current housing needs.

Michael Gibbard, cabinet member for planning and housing, said the eco-town and other developments would meet affordable housing needs. About 30 per cent of the homes would be affordable.

He added: “The council has discussed with the MoD the future of its land holdings at Bicester. Our view is that there is scope to work cooperatively on a long-term plan for appropriate redevelopment.

“In particular we are keen to support the continued defence supplies and garrison presence in the town. However, the current proposals are premature.”

An MoD spokesman said: “There will be an appropriate element of affordable housing as with all new developments.”

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