COUNCILLORS will be lobbied by residents planning to ensure a well-used community green space is retained when their corner of Bicester is redeveloped.

Neighbours are concerned any development in Old Place Yard could swallow the only piece of green space in front of their homes.

They want to be involved in redevelopment plans to ensure new properties do not overwhelm the area.

Pat Winman, who has lived in Old Place Yard since 1966, when it was built, said: “There are a number of things that worry us. Being so close to it, we are going to be affected and we want to know what’s going on there.”

She said the patch of grass was an important facility for children and the community.

The move comes after Cherwell District Council unveiled plans to build homes on the site of the former care home St Edburg’s House, Bicester Library, and offices in Old Place Yard.

It has bought the land from Oxfordshire County Council in an inter-council deal which also includes a former highways depot at Coach House Mews, off London Road, and will feature 40 one and two bedroom flats.

Earlier this month Cherwell said the sites would form part of its self-build project, ‘Build!’ where residents will be able to play a part in creating their own home.

But so far no details of what type of properties or how many will be built in Old Place Yard have been revealed.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s almost like a compulsion. There’s a bit of green left in Bicester and they think ‘let’s get rid of it’.

“We would like to have some consultation, and to see what is coming.”

Both residents are urging the council to consider a parking scheme in Old Place Yard once the redevelopment takes place.

Bicester Library is still operating in Old Place Yard, but is expected to move to a new £5m civic building in Franklin’s Yard car park when it is complete. Town centre workers regularly use the area as a free car park.

Plans have yet to be submitted, but if approved work is expected to start later this year.

No-one at Cherwell District Council was available for comment.