THE consortium behind a major housing and office development in North Oxford has denied accusations of drawing up a secret masterplan for the site.

The Northern Gateway Consortium has revealed how the land could be divided, including shops, offices, houses, space for fire and police stations and a primary school.

It was the first time the group had given specific details of what it planned on the proposed site, close to the Pear Tree Roundabout.

The details were given on the third day of the public examination of Oxford City Council’s core strategy – a planning blueprint for Oxford’s development until 2026.

Campaigners and residents groups also accused the city council of keeping them in the dark about the scale of development it wants on the site – part of which is council-owned.

Liberal Democrat councillor John Goddard told developers: “I wonder if the city council has been made aware of this (land use plan) and if it has, why hasn’t it been shared with councillors and the public.

“I wonder whether there has been collusion or worse.”

Kevin Dixon, of the consortium, denied a “masterplan” had been drawn up.

The hearing at Oxford Town Hall concludes today.