Plans for industrial units on part of a military storage complex in Bicester have been put on hold.

Cherwell District Council has told the Ministry of Defence that its applications to develop unwanted warehouses at Bicester Storage and Distribution Centre -- formerly Bicester Ordnance Depot -- were premature.

Councillors feared another flood of planning applications from the MoD and they have asked MP Tony Baldry to seek more clarification from the MoD on the timetable for disposal of land and buildings.

Mr Baldry has asked for a defence minister to visit Bicester to explain future plans to councillors and businessmen.

Cherwell's chairman, Cllr Catherine Fulljames, whose ward includes the centre, said: "I think there are a lot of question marks over the MoD land in the area, not only at the centre but at RAF Bicester.

"Instead of giving permission for premature commercial ventures at the centre we have asked for more information."

Bicester Chamber of Commerce chairman, Keith Watson, is keen for industrial development to go ahead. He said: "We have little land available for industry around Bicester.

"If land at Gavray Drive next to Langford Village housing estate in Bicester goes for houses instead of industry there will be nothing left for industry."