PLANS to seize a bungalow and land in Littlemore have been backed by councillors.

Oxford City Council voted on Monday night to approve plans for a compulsory purchase order at 8 Lanham Way.

The order gives the council the power to force the owner of the land to sell it to the authority at a price based on the property’s value, plus compensation.

But it does not have to go ahead with the CPO if it feels efforts have been made to make the home inhabitable.

The council claims the building has been empty for more than 10 years and has become a target for vandals and thieves.

But owner Dr Meriel Pipkin – who inherited the bungalow from her uncle Frank, after he built it himself – has previously said she is now living there and said she will not leave.

The pensioner said she left the house several years ago after being assaulted outside and feared for her safety. But she says she has since returned.

Littlemore city councillor John Tanner said he was pleased with the vote, and added it was not too late for Dr Pipkin to work on the house.

He said: “I think this is a very popular move in Littlemore. We can not allow a single house in Oxford to remain empty, and this has been empty for more than 10 years.

“I hope the owner can bring it into use, but the decision means the council can purchase it and either sell it on for a profit or sell it to a housing association so it can provide a home for somebody.”

The CPO proceedings started after complaints about vandalism on the site, which has recently been refurbished to include new windows, floors and plumbing.

The order also comes after the council approved a new empty homes strategy.

Neither Dr Pipkin nor her friend Howard Thornton, who has power of attorney over the property, were available for comment.