BICESTER’S Conservation Area could be expanded to give more of the town greater protection from planning proposals.

Cherwell District Council is consulting on plans to include Field St, Crockwell Close, Victoria Road and Priory Lane in the area.

It was established in 1969 and means developers have to meet more stringent tests for proposals within it from the council.

Councillor Michael Gibbard, the lead member for planning, said: “Bicester is an historic market town that has changed remarkably little from the 1700s.

“It’s only in the latter half of the 20th century that there was substantial development around the historic core.

“The Conservation Area helps preserve Bicester’s character and is used in determining planning applications.

“Now we want to know what residents think about additional areas of Bicester being included.”

An exhibition has been set up in Bicester Library in Old Place Yard about the proposals and will run to July 2.

Information is also available at The Garth in Launton, the council’s offices at 38 Market Square, Bicester and Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury and at cherwell.gov.uk/conservation.

To comment write to design.conservation@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, OX15 4AA by July 11.