People are slamming a developer over plans to build huge new labs and offices on one of the biggest retail parks in Oxford. 

The scheme would see three buildings constructed on the popular Botley Retail Park. 

The retail park is home to stores including Currys PC World, ScrewFix, Bensons for Beds, Pets at Home and Wren Kitchens. These would be put in jeopardy if the plans were approved by Oxford City Council. 

In a separate scheme, plans have also been lodged to demolish New Barclay House, near Seacourt Park and Ride, and replace it with a building to house more offices and labs. 

Developer British Land estimates that, if planning permission is granted next year, construction could start in 2026 with the buildings finished in 2028. 

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Botley Road CGI (Image: Oxford City Council) Manse Ahmad, of Eaton near Abingdon, said: “I'd like to object to the development of this site, particularly with the loss of the current retail units such as Pets at Home most particularly and Currys, ScrewFix etc.

“With the loss of these units, particularly Pets at Home, us pet owners will now have to drive to Abingdon to be able to access the vets and to purchase supplies. The loss of Screw Fix etc will involve significant increase of driving distances for those based in this part of the city.

“This goes against everything that the city's trying to do to reduce the use of private vehicles in an already polluted city.”

Josie Webber, of North Hinksey, added: “I wish to object to the proposal of demolishing Currys, Pets at home, Screwfix, and the other retail units given that these particular facilities are very important to the local community and by getting rid of them we will all have to drive to the other side of Oxford to access these shops which will increase traffic in an already highly polluted and congested city with considerable inconvenience to us and will reduce our local amenities.”

Susanna Pressel, the area's ward councillor, said: “There are at least three issues that are troubling some residents in connection with these developments. 

“Firstly, the current retail sheds are not beautiful, but at least they are not as massively tall as the two life sciences buildings that have already been given permission, and the four that are waiting for a decision. 

“Secondly, some of them are quite useful to local residents and people from further afield, for instance the furniture stores and Pets At Home. 

“Thirdly, the construction period will inevitably bring yet more disruption to this area, which is already in the midst of so many highly disruptive construction projects.”

On the developer's website, it said: “Oxford is a key facet of the UK’s golden triangle, which has a global reputation for research excellence. Although the sector is undergoing exponential growth, there is a shortage of space in Oxford to host life sciences jobs and labs.”