REDEVELOPMENT of Oxford city centre's West End has been backed by county councillors, despite transport concerns.

The council's cabinet this week gave its broad support to the proposed redevelopment of the Westgate centre, which would increase the city's retail space by a quarter, cost an estimated £300m and create 2,000 new jobs.

It was giving its opinion ahead of a meeting next month, when Oxford City Council will decide on the planning application submitted by the Westgate Partnership.

Graham Jones, of Rescue Oxford, spoke to criticise the plans for not increasing the number of car parking spaces in the city centre, although extra space is to be provided at the park-and-ride sites.

He said: "Oxford cannot expand through the Westgate and the West End developments without increasing its parking provision.

"If it tries to, then competing towns and cities will be the beneficiaries."

Tony Joyce, of the Civic Society, said provision for cycles was still only an aspiration in the plans.

Bob Johnston, Liberal Democrat county councillor, said: "There are far too many loose ends, particularly in the area of transport, and especially with regard to buses."

The county council accepted a proposal to relocate the entrance to the Central Library, provided that a refurbished library of "adequate size and standard" is provided.

Jane McFarland, group development manager for the Westgate Partnership, said: "In light of the extensive consultation undertaken with all stakeholders, we are delighted to learn that Oxfordshire County Council has declared its support for our plans. This is a vital first step in realising our vision for the project."