PROPERTY design guru Kevin McCloud was put through his paces by people on the Northway estate last night.

The Channel Four presenter was in Oxford to show off his latest plans for an eco-development of homes at three city council-owned sites in Cowley and Northway.

The scheme will create 109 flats and houses – at Westlands Drive and Dora Carr Close in Northway, and Barns Road in Cowley.

In return Hab Oakus, a joint venture between housing association Green Square Group and Mr McCloud’s Hab development company, will rebuild the Northway Community Centre and the former Cowley Community Centre.

The plan will feature a mix of social and affordable housing flats, surrounded by fruit and nut trees, and set in an area where residents can grow their own food.

The community centres will include sports halls, a community cafe and an outside food growing area. Both schemes will include a car share programme available for the rest of the community.

It was the fourth such visit from Mr McCloud and Hab Oakus to Oxford.

Mr McCloud said the £18m scheme had already been altered after residents’ feedback, including lowering the height of the buildings and including parking.

He said: “Some people get upset or nervous about the idea of change. But these events are about talking residents through what we’re doing, and encouraging them to have their say and to ensure that as many people’s views are heard and feed into the decision process.”

Hilary Lappage, of Cowley, said: “My main concern is the amount of new people that will be moving in to the area.

“As a mother, I am particularly concerned whether the primary schools in the area will be able to take more children as they are crowded already.”

But Sam Marong, from Cowley, said: “I think that this will have a positive effect on the community. There is a need for more housing.”

A planning application is due later this year.