The Ministry of Defence is planning to move its bomb disposal training school to Oxfordshire from Kent.

The plans would see the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal School relocate to St George's Barracks, in Arncott, near Bicester.

Although the move has sparked concerns over an increase in traffic, Cherwell District Council believes this will be kept to a minimum. District councillor Neil Godwin, portfolio holder for communications, said: "We welcome the move. We've a long association with the MoD in Bicester and do not want to see it shut down.

"It brings a lot of benefit to the town."

He said construction traffic would enter via a back gate on the B4011 by Bullingdon Prison.

"Heavy lorries will still be using that access and if there is any increase in traffic it will just be service personnel," he added.

An application to renovate the barracks is being discussed by the council.

The MoD has assured people they will not be disturbed by training at its school as only explosion simulations will be used.

If the scheme wins approval from the council, contracts for construction could be awarded next year.