WILDLIFE is under threat on a site near Kidlington where developers want to build an eco town, a local trust has warned.

The company behind proposals to build around 5,000 homes in a self-sustained community at Shipton Quarry, pictured, is still waiting to learn whether it has made it on to a Government shortlist of preferred sites for new eco towns.

But the developer has already upset the local wildlife trust, BBOWT, with its short-term plans for the site in the meantime, which will see it used for storing cars, depots and industrial units before houses are built.

County council officers recommended that the developer's 'hybrid application', including plans for a rail link for mineral extraction, was rejected. But it was given the go-ahead by councillors on the county's planning committee.

Matt Jackson, of BBOWT, said: "If allowed, this development at Shipton-on-Cherwell Quarry will result in the loss of one of the most important wildlife sites in the county.

"We are appalled at the recent decision by the county council to approve these development proposals, especially as the decision goes against the recommendations of the authority's own officers. It will result in the loss of local widlife."

A report from the council's head of sustainable development, Chris Cousins, warned that the proposal was contrary to county council policy because "material damage would be caused to the county wildlife site" and "the visual amenities of the area would be harmed".

The report said that, with the exception of mineral working, the various components were "inappropriate development in the green belt" and contrary to "bio-diversity interest on site, which would be significantly harmed".

BBOWT says it has now written to the Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, asking her to call in the application for further scrutiny on the grounds that the committee decision was contrary to planning policy.

Mr Jackson, the trust's head of policy and planning, warned the developer, Kilbride Properties, that if its eco town bid were successful, wildlife would be a key issue.

He said "We cannot see 5,000 houses being built without devastating the existing ecological interests."

A spokesman for Kilbride Properties said: "This application was in preparation last summer before the Government invited bids for eco towns, and we joined that. They are distinct and separate projects.

"This proposal can go ahead. If we were to get clearance for an eco town that would follow on.

"But we will have to wait and see what happens.

"This consent actually safeguards wildlife on the site for the first time in its history."

It is understood that the Government will be unveiling a shortlist of preferred eco development proposals in England in the next few weeks.

Kilbride Properties hopes to transform the former cement works between Woodstock and Bicester into a thriving community.

Its scheme would include a new rail station, park-and-ride site, schools, shops, a marina and a nature reserve.

More than 50 proposals have been submitted to the Government and up to five eco towns are expected to be built by 2016, and as many as ten by 2020.

National body Wildlife Trusts wants the shortlist to include only eco towns that are located sensitively so they do not destroy existing habitat areas and are planned with provisions for wildlife-rich features, such as ponds, as part of sustainable drainage schemes.

The body also wants to see plans assessed on their full ecological footprint, not just their carbon impact.

Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of Wildlife Trusts, said: "The Government's current proposals make a mockery of the term 'eco town'."