PLANS to build 1,900 homes, shops, a community hall and new school on the edge of Bicester have been given the go-ahead.

The Ministry of Defence has been given permission to demolish industrial buildings on surplus military land at Graven Hill.

It now looks set to build new housing, shops, a primary school, a pub/restaurant/hotel, community hall and businesses on the site.

The MoD was also given permission to build a 70,400 sq m warehouse to consolidate Bicester Defence Storage and Distribution operations at part of Graven Hill known as C Site, and create 620 jobs.

The move came despite objections from residents in Arncott, where the 70ft tall distribution centre will be built.

They say the warehouse would be overbearing, create extra noise and traffic, and have an impact on the skyline and air quality.

When the plan was originally submitted in 2011 the MoD threatened to pull its logistics operation – which employs about 400 people – out of Bicester if the plans were not approved. Employment land at the Graven Hill site, off the A41 Aylesbury Road could create up to 2,000 jobs, the MoD says.

At Thursday’s planning meeting, councillors were told the site would not be available for development until 2015 and there would be a 13-year construction period.

During the meeting David Hughes, the councillor for Arncott, said in a statement he wanted to support the warehouse for economic reasons, but objected over its “scale and appropriateness”.

John Cooper, chairman of Arncott Parish Council, told councillors villagers were opposed to the warehouse.

He said: “The recommendation to approve does not seem to take any account of local views, the social impact and future of Arncott.

“The building at C site is going to be a huge building some 70ft tall. It will have a huge impact on both the village and surrounding area.”

Councillor Nigel Randall called the warehouse a “mammoth” in the residents’ back garden, and pointed out if the applications were discussed separately the warehouse would likely be refused.

Planning officer Jenny Barker told councillors trees would be planted to try to screen the warehouse building. But Phillipa Charles, of the MoD, said the development of the site was a “game changer” for Bicester.

She said: “The employment land will appeal to existing employers in the town and provide capacity for growth that didn’t exist in the past.

“C site gives the opportunity for MoD jobs to be secured.”

Ms Charles also said the site could attract new businesses to the town.

Plans were supported by councillor Jon O’Neill who said: “In principal its an excellent idea for economic development and growth.”

Afterwards Ben Jackson, president of Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “This approval is a welcome starting point.

“Further employment land over and above what is currently approved, or is illustrated in the draft local plan, is needed to reverse and prevent an increase in out commuting.”

OUTLINE PLANS INCLUDE

  • 1,900 homes, including 30 per cent affordable
  • Primary school
  • Community hall of 660 sq m
  • Five local shops or facilities
  • A 1,000 sq m grocery store
  • A pub/restaurant/hotel
  • 92,040 sq m employment space
  • MoD logistic centre at C site, Arncott, including parking
  • Public open space
  • Highway improvement works, which could include a perimeter road from the A41 via Palmer Avenue to the A41 Aylesbury Road.