A major scheme for a modern business park on the outskirts of Oxford has been approved, despite concerns over its access. 

Applicant The Railpen Pension Nominees Limited applied to demolish the existing office buildings and construct three new ones at Sandford Gate in Sandy Lane West. 

The scheme includes two other buildings: one for car and bicycle parking and another for mechanical plant and amenity space. 

It was unanimously approved by Oxford City Council's planning committee on Tuesday, October 15. 

The applicant's planning statement said that the scheme would create 1,045 jobs.

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Business park CGI (Image: Oxford City Council) Also, the proposed multi-storey car park will have 299 spaces with four accessible bays provided to the rear of the Pavilion building. 

It will also have 280 cycle parking spaces with 50 spaces located externally throughout the site and 15 electric scooter spaces adjacent to the external cycle parking.

The car park would also house a bike repair area, water tanks and plant room at ground floor.

The proposal have had five public supporting comments and one objection. 

Paul Higgins, headteacher at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School in Sandy Lane West, said: “The developers have met with me and explained the proposal, with several updates along the way.

"I am fully supportive - especially in regards to widening the footways and making the area more visibly attractive.

“The science park will benefit our school with opportunities, as long as they are set into stone with the plan.”

Mohammed Altaf-Khan, ward councillor for Headington, said: “This is a large development and a missed opportunity to re-do the junction. Exiting during the rush hour is a struggle. 

“I think the highways authority should pay more attention to this.”

Alex Hollingsworth added: “The highways authority say there are sufficient plans for the 100 additional vehicle movements. On balance, I think this is a good scheme.”

David Henwood, ward councillor for Rose Hill & Iffley, said: “I too am in favour of this application. My only concern is what will be the gain for the local community. 

“I want to see more benefits for the community of Littlemore.”

Planning officers recommended the scheme for permission.

In their report, they said: The planning officers' report said: “Officers consider that the proposed development would respond appropriately to the site context and Local Plan policies.

"The proposal would provide enhanced pedestrian and cyclist connectivity and improved wider transport infrastructure through highways works and financial contributions and it is considered that there would be no harm to the highway network as a result of traffic generation.

"The development would result in no net loss in tree canopy cover through new and retained soft landscaping.”