The council's Local Development Framework (LDF) has already identified potential sites where houses could be built over the next 20 years. The idea of an alternative site in North West Bicester directly reflects this long term planning.

The possible area suggested by the council has been put to the Government by Cherwell as a better alternative to the proposed eco town at Weston Otmoor, some three miles outside Bicester. However, this is only on the basis that the Council does not accept the Government's view that Cherwell should be a location for additional growth.

If the council's new alternative was accepted, up to 5000 new homes could be built on the outskirts of Bicester. The council's view is that these homes would help fulfil its long term plan for building new houses across Cherwell, under the South East Plan arrangement, where the government requires 13400 new homes to be built in the next 20 years.

Councillor Michael Gibbard, portfolio holder for planning and housing, explains:

"Our long term plans for Bicester include building new houses, which are part of Bicester itself, and can benefit from the proximity to an established and successful town.

"The development of a free standing, unplanned new town, like that suggested for Weston Otmoor, has never been part of the LDF or South East plan and would harm the successful long term development of Bicester. We need to make sure Bicester remains a balanced community, providing new jobs and facilities for the people who live there. We take our planning responsibilities seriously, which is one of the reasons we have suggested an alternative to the Weston site. It makes much more sense to develop homes with eco credentials within the framework of our existing plans for new housing and development."

The government will need to help us explore potential infrastructure benefits which an eco community at North West Bicester could bring.

"In particular we would need to explore fully transport options, school provision and the employment potential connected to this development. Increasing the population of Bicester means residents will need facilities. This could help strengthen the case for a new hospital for the town," said Councillor Gibbard.

"We have to recognise that Weston Otmoor remains a serious eco town contender and this is just another stage in what is likely to be a long-running planning debate. Cherwell will continue to resist the Government's apparent view that the district can take on more homes than we originally planned for. Such decisions must be planning led."

The second stage of consultation on eco towns is now underway, following the Government's initial assessment of suggested sites' green credentials. The North West Bicester site received a 'B' rating. The Weston Otmoor site was classed as a 'C' - meaning it would only be feasible as an eco town if substantial changes were made to the proposal.