The future development of two of Oxford's biggest institutions is the subject of a special workshop.

Members of the public are being invited to comment on the massive expansion of Oxford's hospitals and Brookes University during a city council review.

The future growth and use of land by the hospital trusts and the Headington-based university are coming under scrutiny as part of a review of the city's Local Plan.

The review is examining how the growth of the university and the hospitals will impact on availability of land, transport and staff and student accommodation, particularly in Headington -- the part of Oxford which could change most over the next few years.

Together with the large number of developments at different hospitals, Oxford Brookes University has been given permission to build a 592-bedroom hall of residence on the former Government building site off Marston Road.

The city council's executive member for planning, Cllr John Goddard, said: "Hospitals and Brookes University are vital to the future of Oxford but how, where, and the extent to which they grow is crucial to Oxford.

"I encourage people of Headington and east Oxford, and all those concerned, to participate in this consultation exercise and help shape the future of their area."

Headington's John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals are both planning to expand to accommodate departments from the city centre-based Radcliffe Infirmary, which is due to close in the next few years.

The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, based at Windmill Road, Headington, is also increasing in size. And the private Acland Hospital has submitted plans to develop Oxford United's former home, the Manor Ground, which were approved by the Government after the city council refused the application.

All these changes will put pressure on the transport network, which has been the subject of a special study, the Headington and Marston Area Transport Strategy.

The council's Local Plan makes it clear that the growth of Oxford Brookes and the hospitals must not adversely affect housing or strain transport networks in Headington.

The East and North Area Committees are holding a joint workshop at the Town Hall on Tuesday, January 29 at 6pm.