A MILE-long causeway providing Binsey residents with an escape route during flooding could rescue plans to provide new homes in the historic hamlet.
The idea of a causeway running next to Binsey Lane is being actively considered, claim villagers fighting an Oxford college's development plans.
Christ Church was refused planning permission to convert a disused farm in the village into houses because of the risk of flooding, but is appealing to the Planning Inspectorate. The idea is included in a study commissioned by the college to find ways to satisfy the Environment Agency's concerns about the safety of new residents during flooding. Binsey is often cut off during winter months.
But Binsey Residents' Association has condemned the causeway idea. Members fear it would result in Oxford's Botley Road becoming more vulnerable to flooding. A newsletter sent to 3,500 homes in west Oxford says: "This causeway will be up to a metre high; may endanger traffic; will be obtrusive and will disrupt the flow of flood water. This seems mad."
Alison Cobb, who has lived in the village for 21 years, said: "The flood water flows on both side of the road. If this were built, this flow would be prevented and there would inevitably be more flooding elsewhere."
A spokesman for Oxford City Council said planning permission and highway consent would be required for any causeway. Paul Lindon, of Smith-Woolley, the agents for Christ Church, said the report would be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.