OXFORD University has been given consent to build a controversial access road across Green Belt land to its Begbroke Science Park north of the city.

The road will create a direct link between the science park at Begbroke and the A44 Woodstock Road, bringing to an end a five-year controversy about the best access route to what is set to become an international centre for innovation and university spin-out firms.

Residents in Yarnton had previously fought proposals to build a half-mile road through the village.

The university plans to move research groups out of the city to Begbroke as part of a long-term £1bn plan to expand and improve the university’s science facilities.

The university’s latest proposed route for the road, running through land owned by the university and Merton College, was approved by Cherwell District Council’s planning committee last month.

News that Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman will not be calling in the application removed the final obstacle.

Work is set to begin in late July and should be completed by the end of the year.

A new junction with traffic lights will be built on the A44 dual carriageway.

Oxfordshire County Council wants the speed limit on the A44 reduced from 50mph to 40mph at the junction on safety grounds.

The university said it would be taking measures to mitigate the impact on wildlife, with a badger tunnel and bat boxes being provided. Hedgerows will be planted alongside the road to screen it from view.

University spokesman Matt Pickles said: “The new road will reduce traffic movements along Sandy Lane for the benefit of local residents. It also presents the university with the opportunity in the future to expand activities on the site, bringing new jobs and prosperity to the region.”

But Begbroke residents are still angry about the road. Dr Jill Durrant, vice chairman of the parish council, said: “People are very bitter about it. We objected because this is Green Belt land. I’m sure the science site will be expanded.”

She said she feared it could also spark plans for more housing.

Dr Durrant said Begbroke would not even benefit from a long-hoped for pedestrian crossing on the A44.

Dr Caroline Livingstone, the science park’s business manager and administrator, said: “While no immediate plans exist, with the road in place opportunities to relocate academic research groups to Begbroke can be considered.”