Noise and safety fears over electric substation

The development in Littlemore will have 50 houses and 40 flats

Plans to add an electric substation to power a 90-home development have been criticised for creating noise and safety issues, as well as loss of valuable space.

The development of the former Dominion Oils Site on Railway Lane, in Littlemore, was approved by Oxford City Council in 2022 despite receiving a number of objections.

In February this year, developer Cantay Estates Ltd submitted an application to add an electricity substation to the site, which would be used to power the homes and make "consequential changes" to the layout.

A consultation on the plans, which closes on 30 March, has already received objections.

'Affordable homes'

Michelle Tooke, who lives on Gwyneth Road, in Littlemore, said: "I do not believe this should be placed in the middle of a housing estate.

"It will cause many issues, including a lot of safety issues."

Councillor Anne Stares, who represents the Littlemore ward, said introducing an electrical substation at this point was an example of "very poor forward planning".

It would lead to a "loss of valuable space for residents that will be living there for many years", she added.

According to the planning design and access statement, the "much-needed affordable homes" would be delayed until 2028 unless the substation was provided because there would not be enough electricity to power the properties.

The 90-home development is on a brownfield site and would consist of 50 houses and 40 flats, all of which would be affordable housing.

The site would also have electric charging points, provision of all electric heating systems, hot water cylinders and electric combination boilers, which are a condition of planning permission.