THE long-term future of Oxford’s first free school is being discussed at a planning hearing today.

Tyndale Community School has been given approval to open in September, but was refused permission for a change of use of its planned site, the former Lord Nuffield Club, in Barracks Lane.

Changes in the law meant it was given the go-ahead to open for a year, but to safeguard the school, it needs to win an appeal against Oxford City Council’s refusal of planning permission.

The hearing, led by inspector David Morgan, began yesterday at Oxford Town Hall.

Nigel Weeks, for the school, said roughly 30 per cent of pupils would arrive by car, while councillor Roy Darke said the council’s analysis suggested it would be closer to 41 per cent. He claimed pupils would be drawn from a wider catchment area so more would drive to school.

Tyndale chairman of governors Steve Jones said: “The actual reality is to provide a further local school in the east of the city.”

The council argued that the proposal would mean a green space would be lost.

Patrick Duffy, for the school, said the land needed for the school represented 30 per cent of the open space, the rest of which is subject to a separate planning application for housing.

The school has drawn up a community access plan so groups and individuals should be able to use parts of the site at term time weekends and holidays.

Mr Duffy added: “The site is private land, that is the case and always has been so public access has not been lawful.”

Mr Darke said the proposed 3,360 sqm of outdoor space was just 15 per cent of the county council’s recommendations for play space, but Mr Duffy pointed out the authority was backing the proposals.

Today the inspector will visit the site along with other interested parties.