NEIGHBOURS have celebrated a decision to throw out plans to extend an old house in the Headington conservation area.

Residents said the area’s green and leafy character had been protected by the decision to reject the development at 29 Old High Street.

Submitted by Martin Young, it aimed to knock down part of a 19th century house and build a modern side and rear extension.

All six Oxford city councillors unanimously opposed the application at an east area planning committee on Thursday night.

Planning officer Martin Armstrong said: “It will dominate and change the character of the site.”

He added that the plans would encroach on house number 33 next door.

The decision is the latest twist in a long-running saga involving the site.

Mr Young is known to residents for repeatedly trying to knock down and expand the house.

His original plan to demolish the property and build five three-storey houses on the site sparked anger among residents and was thrown out.

In April he was granted permission for a smaller scheme to create a three-bedroom home, but then put in the latest application to create a five-bedroom house.

Old High Street resident Stella Welford said: “I am delighted. I was objecting to the application because it would be overpowering and dominating. The two-storey extension would cut views to Bury Knowle Park and the trees.

“This is a conservation area and it needs to be preserved from over- dominating developments.”

Chairman of the Friends of Old Headington, Veronica Hurst, said: “I am very pleased but not at all surprised. It was a completely inappropriate development for that site.

“The plans were not for a 19th century building with an extension, they were for a modern house with a 19th century component.

“One of the quirky characteristics of Old Headington is its views of greenery and trees in between the houses, so we are opposed to that going.”

She added: “But have we seen the end of it? I very much suspect we haven’t.”

Mr Young said he would appeal.

He added: “I am disappointed. Government guidelines say land should be developed to the greatest efficiency, and on this site that means two storeys.

“I didn’t go to the meeting because I didn’t want to, but I sent around copies of my submission to the committee members and left it at that.”