RESIDENTS have vowed to fight plans for a major new £80m business park in Bicester they have branded a “monstrosity”.

Albion Land wants outline planning approval to develop a large site on the corner of Middleton Stoney Road and Howes Lane, in Bicester. The development could create up to 1,200 jobs.

A plan unveiled last month showed five three-storey warehouses of between 80,000 sq ft and 200,000 sq ft, and two smaller office blocks.

After criticism from residents, access has been switched from Howes Lane to Middleton Stoney Road.

But people living on the Greenwood estate say that is not enough and they still have concerns over noise, pollution, increased traffic and potential flooding. They say the development is more suited to the edge of town, nearer junction nine of the M40, and away from homes.

A petition has now been launched against the scheme. Albion Land’s application seeks approval for firms to use the 50-acre site for production processes, distribution and logistics, and it could operate 24 hours a day.

But Susan Harding, of Isis Avenue, said it was “precariously close” to her house.

She said: “I suspect we are going to suffer from lorry noise, pollution and vibration damage.”

She also raised concerns about future flooding and drainage because the development would be built on farmland.

Bicester West district councillor Les Sibley also opposes the scheme. He said: “The access change is a small victory but the battle rages on.

“It’s going to be terrible, looking out over garden fences at that monstrosity.”

Albion Land managing director Kelvin Pearce said businesses had shown “serious interest”.

He added: “Converting this investment interest into the provision of real jobs and new economic activity now lands in the ‘in-tray of the planning officer dealing with this application.”

If plans are approved, work could start next summer.