UP to 750 jobs could be created following plans for two major schemes in Bicester.

Proposals for a major retail park and an additional business park – built within half a mile of each have been submitted to Cherwell District Council for approval.

The applications, submitted by separate developers, include the revised £40m Bicester Gateway retail park, earmarked for a site off Oxford Road, which was refused by councillors in August 2015.

The scheme has been brought back to councillors for outline permission after the applicant, Consolidated Property Group, made changes following traffic concerns and the impact it could have on town centre businesses.

If approved, three shop units, a restaurant and a gym would be built alongside 350 parking spaces. The development is expected to create about 200 new jobs.

Managing director for the property group, Martin Ridgeway, said by reducing the shopping area and adding 100 extra parking spaces the plans now addressed all the issues.

The plan – backed by high street retailers Marks and Spencer and Next – initially split opinions, with some arguing it was the right development but on the wrong site.

Bicester town Mayor Jolanta Lis said previously that although she welcomed the revised plans, she believed building on the same site would have an adverse impact on traffic despite the changes.

But others argued that the only way to attract more high street retailers into town was to offer space away from the town centre.

Neighbouring householders and members of the Kingsmere Residents Association back the plans, saying many Bicester residents drive further afield to shop because of the lack of options in the town.

Co-chairman Graham Brogden said: "We are grateful the developers have addressed all the previous concerns and we hope this time it receives support and gains approval.

"This sort of scheme is long overdue and will save many residents having to travel out of town to go shopping, which makes a mockery of our eco town status.

"Bicester urgently needs mainstream retailers."

The second application, called Bicester Gateway Business Park was given outline permission in August last year. It is less than one mile down the road from the proposed retail site.

Now with more details, the proposal is expected to created another 550 jobs. It would include a 149-bed hotel, with office space opposite the Bicester park and ride. The site would be the equivalent of nearly three football pitches and would also include 685 parking spaces. The park is expected to be built over two phases.

Bicester town and Cherwell district councillor Dan Sames, said: "The business park has been earmarked for some time, so it is good to see the developers have come back and given us an idea of what is going to be on the site.

"Anything that brings employment to the town will hopefully reduce our out-commuting."

Plans for both applications are now live on the district council website for people to comment and a decision is expected to be made by mid-April.

Mr Sames added: "Some people have welcomed the gateway development and conversely some people in the town centre are concerned it will take trade away.

"We need to try and strike a balance between the two."

He said there were traffic concerns but said that with the improved 'hamburger' roundabout being built on the A41 and the expansion of Bicester Village, it would be difficult to refuse the plans on that basis alone.