A swathe of new offices and labs could be coming to Botley Road if major plans are approved by the city council. 

A total of four new buildings could be built on the site of the retail park and across the road at New Barclay House, should the schemes be permitted.

The two planning applications for the retail park were submitted by The Mary Street Estate (British Land). 

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Botley Road CGI (Image: Oxford City Council) By Tuesday, October 15, just two public objections had been submitted. 

Laura Kramer, of Sweetmans Road, said: “The existing site is well used by the public. We do not need more lab and office spaces on Botley Road. There are ample facilities being built on the Oxford North site.”

Liz Woolley, of Marlborough Road, added: “I wish to object in the strongest possible terms to this planning application.

"This site should be used to build truly affordable housing, of which there is a desperate need in Oxford, not yet more speculative and commercial lab space.

“I urge the council to reject this application, and to rethink the use of this site, whose location and existing use as a brownfield site make it ideal for much-needed affordable housing."

Botley Road CGI (Image: Oxford City Council) The planning application for New Barclay House, which is a car dealership, was submitted by Threadneedle UK Property Select.

By Tuesday, October 15 it had received no public comments in support or objection. 

Susanna Pressel, ward councillor for Osney & St Thomas, said: "Local residents are surprised at the sudden proliferation of applications for massive life sciences buildings in the Botley Road area. 

“Some people are saying that these sites should be used for housing, and I agree — though unfortunately that is very unlikely, because these are all on private land and the city council can't tell the landowners what to do with their land.

"Some people would prefer to keep the current retail sheds, a few of which are really useful.

"However, they are clearly not making enough money for the owners, whereas life sciences facilities are badly needed, especially in Oxford.

"This is because of the amazing success of our two universities, who are at the forefront of scientific discoveries, which we hope will make our lives much better in years to come. 

“It's now up to the city council to make sure the new buildings have as few negative impacts as possible on the people who live in the area, both during construction and in the future.

"I hope there will even be benefits."