A NEW warehouse development could bring 1,000 jobs to Banbury.

Plans for warehouses by the M40 will go ahead despite a last-minute decision to protect nearby war relics, a planning consultant has said.

The Government last week agreed to give protected scheduled monument status to the remains of a former First World War munition filling station, following a request from Banbury Civic Society.

The remains are to the east of the motorway but not the west, where the warehouses are planned.

Cherwell District Council approved the outline scheme on June 21, but this is subject to final consultation with English Heritage.

Peter Frampton, the planning consultant for the proposal, said he expected the council to approve it as it would have little impact on the relics on the eastern side.

Councillors were told the scheme would create 1,000 jobs and it is hoped it would be open by 2014.

He said: “I am very pleased. We do have serious interest in the site.

“It is a great site. It will be great for Banbury.”

Civic Society chairman Rob Kinchin-Smith said: “Some of it is scheduled, that is the main thing.

“This is an important historic feature and the significance of it has been recognised as we approach the centenary of the First World War.”

The society had raised concerns about the scale of the plan, but Mr Kinchin-Smith said he was pleased the height of the buildings had been cut from 19 metres to 16 metres.

He said: “I am significantly happier. Hopefully this site will provide beneficial employment.”

Further permission on the final details of the plan will be needed from the district council.