DEVELOPERS behind the Barton West scheme have said it would benefit the surrounding estates if the plans were given the go-ahead.

Government planning inspector Shelagh Bussey has this week been holding a hearing into the development, which could include up to 1,200 houses, at the Town Hall.

Yesterday she was told by Oxford City Council that the development would bring benefits to the surrounding area.

Planning consultant Paul Comerford said: “We don’t want a segregated community and we are trying to promote linkages across the A40, but we need to be careful that we provide a safe way for that to happen.”

As well as creating apprenticeships and training schemes as part of the construction programme, Mr Comerford said there would also be potential jobs brought by a shop, and also a potential restaurant, hotel and gym.

He added that community facilities in the new development would be open to those who live in Northway and Barton.

The hearings will conclude today when Dr Bussey will listen tothe council’s arguments in favour of lowering the speed limit along part of the A40 and keeping the proposed pedestrian crossing which she has expressed concerns about.

It will be held at Town Hall from 10am and is open to members of the public, but only those who have been invited to speak by the inspector may do so.