Redevelopment of Oxford's Westgate area has been given the thumbs up by county councillors - despite transport concerns.

The council's cabinet yesterday gave its broad support to the proposed redevelopment of the Westgate centre, which would increase the city's retail space by a quarter, cost an estimated £300m and create 2,000 new jobs.

They were giving their opinion ahead of a meeting next month, when Oxford City Council will decide on the planning application submitted by the Westgate Partnership.

Graham Jones, of Rescue Oxford, spoke to criticise the plans for not increasing the number of car parking spaces in the city centre, although extra space is to be provided at the park and ride sites.

He said: "Oxford cannot expand through the Westgate and the West End developments without increasing its parking provision.

"If it tries to, then competing towns and cities will be the beneficiaries."

Tony Joyce, of the Civic Society, asked for "proper, covered, off-street cycle provision" to avoid "clutter".

Bob Johnston, Liberal Democrat county councillor, told the meeting: "There are far too many loose ends, particularly in the area of transport, and especially with regard to buses."