PLANS for 30 homes on an old cricket ground in Headington will be scrutinised by city councillors after sparking widespread objection.

More than 50 comments, most of them negative, have been received by Oxford City Council over proposals for the cricket ground in Barton Road.

The application has now been “called in” by Barton and Sandhills councillor Mike Rowley.

The move means it will be determined by the city’s east area planning committee in June instead of by a council officer.

Mr Rowley said: “A number of residents have raised it with me, but before they did I anticipated it would be a contentious issue so I called it in.

“It’s a pretty major development on a site of public interest and it’s only right it should be heard in committee.”

He said it was set to be considered by councillors on June 5.

Neighbours said the development would dwarf their homes, and raised concerns about a lack of amenity space on the new estate.

Thomas Homes Ltd wants to build eight four-bedroom houses, 17 three-bedroom homes, two two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats on the site, which has been unused for 10 years.

It also plans 51 car parking spaces, 60 spaces for bicycles and some public open space.

But residents say they don’t want to lose green space and say the development would put a strain on local services.

Cerian Roche, from Ash Grove, said: “My husband and I strongly object to the proposal. It is of great importance that green spaces remain within the ring road of Oxford. Redevelopment as a sports ground and community or youth centre would be far more beneficial to the area.”

Margaret Road resident Tom Peacock said a primary school should be built on the site instead, to meet growing demand for primary school plans in Headington.

Sport England has also objected, claiming Government policy prevents open space from being developed unless it can be proved the land is surplus to requirements or unless the developer is prepared to replace the space elsewhere.

Spokesman Vicky Aston said the organisation had objected in light of Government policy and “the lack of evidence of any other exceptional circumstances” provided by the developer.

She added: “Sport England is willing to withdraw this objection if the applicant provides a replacement for the sports facilities lost.”

No-one was available from Thomas Homes to comment.