A NEW pedestrian crossing may be built in Summertown as part of plans put forward by an independent school.

D’Overbroeck’s College wants the crossing to link a planned boarding house and sixth form centre, which would be on opposite sides of Banbury Road.

It has applied to Oxford City Council for the 58-space boarding house and sixth form, to bring together post-16 lessons from sites across the city.

This would involve the demolition of buildings at 333 Banbury Road – a former Masonic Lodge and conference centre – and an Edwardian-era house at number 376, on the other side of the road.

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Oxfordshire County Council, which is responsible for roads, has said it will back the project if it includes a new crossing. The planning application states: “The new buildings will be fully accessible from existing pedestrian and vehicular routes. In addition, a new pedestrian link will be formed across Banbury Road to facilitate safe movement between 333 and 376 Banbury Road.”

Wolvercote and Summertown county councillor Jean Fooks said: “The crossing is something people will be extremely pleased about because it is difficult to cross the road. It is something I am sure will be welcomed.

“I have had regular suggestions from people about a crossing there but I have said in the past that there is no money available, so it is good that this project might lead to a crossing happening. You might say that this is a community benefit from the development.”

The 1820s villa at 333 Banbury Road, formerly known as The Oxford Centre, will be retained under the proposals.

Previous plans for 17 homes on the site, put forward by developer Homespace, were refused by the city council in 2013.

Mrs Fooks added: “We have been some time waiting to get something sorted out for both of these sites.

“I think the design is reasonably in keeping with what is on both sites and in and around them.

“It will be very welcome to have those sites properly and fully used.

“The county council has said they are happy with the idea, they just wanted it in the right place.”

Andrew Gant, Oxford city councillor for Summertown, said: “It has been the case for a long time that there is a stretch of that road between South Parade and the Cutteslowe roundabout where there is no crossing.

“There is a big residential area on both sides so if people get off the bus they are having to cross in a way that is not always particularly safe.

“I would very much welcome a crossing.”

No-one was available at the college to comment on the plans last night.

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