DEVELOPERS who want to build more than 3,000 new homes in North West Bicester are seeking Cherwell District Council’s opinion on its environmental impact.

Forming part of the wider 6,000 home eco-town off the B4100 Banbury Road, which has already been given the greenlight, the proposals have been put forward by Hallam Land Management comprising a 177 hectare site.

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It would include up to 3,100 homes, residential care homes and a mixed-use local centre with business and service uses, takeaways, a pub and wine bar.

The massive site would also be home to informal open space, allotments, burial ground and play space.

Tying in with the eco ethos of the area, a solar farm is proposed, sustainable drainage systems, and new highway, cycle and pedestrian routes.

The developer wants to know what potential effects the plan could have on the environment and whether these effects are likely to be significant.

It has therefore submitted a Scoping Report to help Cherwell District Council identify the issues which should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

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But Bicester residents feel there are not enough provisions in the town to support the huge increase in the population that would come with the development.

Lindsey Johns said on Facebook: “They can’t keep building houses and not improve our facilities. We don’t have enough doctors for the current population let alone another 6,000 to 12,000 (assuming two to four persons per house).”

Stephanie Wright commented: “I’m all for development but they better put in place the necessary infrastructure as they go. Doctors, dentists and schools won't be able to cope as they struggle already.

“Developing the town positively is amazing but we need to support the facilities and infrastructure first so the town can cope with it.”

Up to 30 per cent of the homes that would be built would be affordable housing however the final mix of affordable housing will be agreed with the council.

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Hallam Land Management says it will be undertaking local community and stakeholder engagement as well as liaison with Cherwell and other stakeholders, to inform the development proposals and so plans could change.

Elmsbrook forms the first phase of the North West Bicester masterplan and this latest proposal would sit to the west of it by the London to Birmingham Railway.

Another developer, Firethorn Trust is also looking to build 530 homes next to Elmsbrook and a decision to either approve or reject the plan will be made on November 4.

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