THE sounds and smells of the farm could soon be wafting their way across East Oxford.

Plans are afoot to turn a patch of land that has been used as a car park into a community farm.

A group is trying to get as many people on board as possible by holding a meeting on Sunday.

Cowley resident Fiona Mullins, one of the people behind the proposal, said: “We don’t have a city farm in Oxford but there are lots of them in London and it will help people understand where food comes from.

“We have had a hugely positive response to our plans from local people so far. It is quite exciting.”

Once the farm is up and running – likely to be in a year’s time – it will supply vegetables and meat for the local area.

Ms Mullins, a keen gardener, said: “We definitely want to have chickens, but because it is in the middle of a city we will probably not have a cockerel.

“We could have a pig, a goat and sheep, but no noisy animals.”

The group is unsure how much it would cost to set up the farm, but will be applying for grants to get it going.

Negotiations for the lease of the site are ongoing and Oxford City Farm has requested that the location remains under wraps until they are completed.

A flood assessment will need to be carried out before planning permission can be submitted.

Jeremy Iles, chief executive of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, gave his support to the plans.

He said: “From our long experience of supporting city farms they bring a whole range of benefits, from simply the educational aspect to the community development.”

According to the federation, there are about 60 such farms in England, with 15 in London.

Mr Iles said: “Oxford is an appropriate place to have one.

“We are behind the consultation and will give advice to the local community.”

Sunday’s meeting is at Florence Park Community Centre in Cornwallis Road, from 3-5pm.

A model of the farm will be on show and residents will be able to ask questions and put forward their ideas.

Another meeting will be held on Monday at Donnington Doorstep Family Centre, in Townsend Square off Donnington Bridge Road, from 5-7pm.