PLANS to demolish buildings in Bury Knowle Park and build affordable homes have been recommended for approval.

Oxford City Council officers have thrown their support behind the authority’s own application for planning permission for 10 flats.

The council wants to demolish a brick shed and former mess building at the former parks depot, and build a mixture of three, two and one-bedroom flats.

The planning bid has been criticised by neighbours and users of the park, who have raised concerns about over-development and the impact of extra traffic.

Sandfield Road resident Bob Clarke, who is a member of the Friends of Bury Knowle Park group, said: “The area concerned is tight for what is envisaged. The space will be inadequate as far as parking and traffic is concerned.”

A council report said: “The redevelopment of the depot site would make an efficient use of previously developed land in a manner that would preserve the existing public open space within the park. The residential development would deliver much needed good quality affordable housing for the city and would provide an appropriate mix of units for the Headington Neighbourhood Area.”

A decision on the plans will be made by the city’s east area planning committee, which will meet on Tuesday at 6pm.