RESIDENTS have claimed they have not been properly consulted on proposals by TV presenter Kevin McCloud to transform part of an Oxford estate.

The property design expert has plans for an eco-development of homes at three city council-owned sites in Cowley and Northway.

He came to Oxford last week to show off his latest designs for the 109 flat and house scheme – at Westlands Drive and Dora Carr Close in Northway, and Barns Road in Cowley.

Mr McCloud said the proposals have already been altered after feedback from people living in the areas.

In response to comments, Hab Oakus, a joint venture between housing association Green Square Group and Mr McCloud’s Hab development company, agreed to lower the height of the buildings and include parking in the Northway scheme.

But the Northway Residents’ Action Group, which was set up by people on the estate six weeks ago after becoming concerned about changes to the area, is still not happy with the plans.

Treasurer Georgina Gibbs said: “The consultations we have had with them, seem to be saying, we are going to build these houses and that’s it.

“They don’t seem to have looked at the drainage system and the impact the buildings are going to have on that. And the height of the buildings is also still too high.

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.

It will also see the Northway Community Centre and the former Cowley Community Centre rebuilt with community cafes and an outside food growing area.

Both schemes will include a car share programme available for the rest of the community.

Miss Gibbs said: “They say there will be some affordable housing, and this will help solve the housing crisis, but we won’t have first refusal on these homes.

“There are people in Northway who have children living with them who are trying to move out but can’t. These homes won’t go to them.”

Sheila Hessey, of Meadon Hill, added: “We appreciate the need for more housing. But it’s not fair for people who live in the existing houses to be living in the shadow of three-storey buildings.”

Marita Ford, development project manager for Hab Oakus, said:”We have already held three sets of well-publicised public consultation events. We have amended the scheme design in respect of building heights several times in response to consultation feedback.

“Any questions about drainage at Northway are being considered as part of the scheme design and our experts are working closely with council engineers to ensure the drainage design does not negatively impact on the area.”

A planning application is due later this year.