A BUILDING which was once home to one of Bicester's biggest employers and a thriving hub for car interiors manufacturing will soon become housing.

Plans to demolish the former Lear Corporation building in Bessemer Close and build 70 homes were originally thrown out by councillors in February last year, who expressed concerns over a loss of employment space and poor living conditions for future residents.

But this decision was challenged by applicants, Vanderbilt Homes and International Wood Agency Ltd, and planning inspector has decided to go against the councillors and approve the housing development.

In her report, the inspector, Claire Victory, as the building has been empty for a decade, loss of employment space was not a factor.

She said: "The appellant has demonstrated the loss of employment land would be justified, based on the long term vacancy of the site and marketing evidence shows lack of evidence."

In order to make way for the development the developers will demolish the former Lear Corporation building.

There has been a factory on the site since 1960 when Bruce Engineers moved from Cowley to Bicester.

The new plans will include 21 affordable homes and 49 open market homes built on the site off Launton Road.

It also proposes building two apartment blocks fronting Bessemer Close and the corner of Launton Road, plus more homes and apartments built round a new local play area.

In the report Ms Victory added: "The proposal would not harm the living conditions of future occupiers with regard to noise and disturbance."

Commenting on character and appearance, she said: "The introduction of some housing fronting the street within the appeal site would make a positive contribution to the character of the area.

"The development would not cause material harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"It would accord to the Local Plan which requires housing development to be compatible with appearance, character, layout, scale and density of existing housing in the vicinity."

Despite approving the application, Ms Victory did add conditions to the building adding that mitigation measures for noise on the site would be necessary including acoustic fencing and double glazing.

It will also include about 35 parking spaces.