PLANS for a “temporary” building that could be in place at Oxford Station for a decade have been scaled back after opposition from residents living nearby.

Network Rail has resubmitted the scheme for a two-storey temporary staff accommodation block, set to replace a one-storey depot just north of the main station building.

The company was told to reconsider the plans by Oxford City Council after concerns the building would overshadow homes in Staple Close to the east.

In a letter to the city council, Network Rail representative Lisa Bullock said the firm has decided to reduce the size of the building’s first floor.

She wrote: “Our project team considered solutions to reducing the overshadow on properties in Staple Close and we are now in a position to put forward a solution.

“This reduces the width of the first floor by half, enough to eliminate any additional overshadowing on properties in Staple Close.”

The building would also be placed 2.5 metres further west to allow better access to a nearby substation, she added.

“I hope the additional information and amendment to our scheme alleviates concerns raised.”

Staple Close resident Sushila Dhall, chairman of Rewley Park management committee, said she would consult other residents on the changes. She added: “Ideally Network Rail would get their development with minimal reduction in space and local people who live in the city centre would be at the same time respected, in terms of need for ordinary light and acceptable protection from industrial background noise level.

“I would be delighted if a solution could now be agreed that met everybody’s needs as far as possible and it does look as if this may be that solution.

“I intend to study these plans and write a response to the public consultation now underway and also bring the current consultation to the attention of other local residents.”

Network Rail said the building had to be carefully positioned so it would not hamper the upcoming redevelopment of the station, currently being worked on by the firm and Oxford City Council.

There will not be room for some rail staff to stay in the temporary building, so they will instead have to be given accommodation elsewhere.

The scheme is part of work to increase capacity and create an additional platform for new passenger services, set to be run by Chiltern Railways to London Marylebone.

A consultation on the changes has started and will end on July 16.