STUDENTS could take over a refurbished old people’s home in North Oxford.

Under plans put forward by Fairfield Residential Home and University College, the home could be replaced with a new building next door in Banbury Road.

Once the new care home is completed and the residents moved in, the old building would be refurbished to house 29 students.

Another 30 students would be housed in six new houses on the site, the college said.

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Belsize Architects, the firm behind the college’s award-winning boathouse on the River Thames, has been hired to design the houses.

Fairfield chairman John Cole said more modern facilities were needed for its residents.

He said: “The age and configuration of Fairfield’s current home means it will become increasingly challenging to meet the needs of the growing elderly population. A new purpose-built facility is needed to enhance the quality of life for the residents.”

The home currently houses up to 30 people over 65, but Mr Cole said its capacity would be increased.

University College estates bursar Frank Marshall said two public exhibitions would be held at Maison Francaise, in Norham Road, on Friday and Saturday, so residents could comment on the designs. He said: “The needs of the college and the home will be met by this project, but we are aware the issue of building in the conservation area is a sensitive one.

“The houses are small new builds that will go next to the care home, they have been designed to not have an institutional feel.

“I think they will fit in. The conservation area is quite diverse and these are small-scale buildings.

“It was a factor in the architect we chose. We know we need to create something of quality.”

Mr Marshall said the college would not be attending an area forum for residents, schools and colleges, set up by Oxford City Council, that will take place on October 22 because of its planned consultations this weekend.

He added: “We hope to submit a planning application in a matter of weeks.”

The public consultation events to be held on the proposals in Maison Francaise, in Norham Road will take place from 2pm to 6pm on Friday and from 10am to noon on Saturday.

The forum meeting comes after North Oxford residents expressed concerns about recent expansion plans put forward by schools and colleges in the North Oxford Victorian Suburb conservation area.

City councillor Elizabeth Wade said she hoped University College would reverse its decision not to attend the upcoming North Oxford area forum.

She said: “This meeting is very important to residents, and other schools and colleges will be attending. It is not meant to be confrontational, but informative.”

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