War veterans have won a year-long battle to win planning permission for a new £3m clubhouse and housing development in Marston, Oxford.

Members of the city council's north east area committee granted permission for the Royal British Legion club scheme (December 22). The Oxford Mail reported on January 2 (2004) that residents feared two blocks of flats, which the club wanted to build and sell for profit, would block views from Marston over Oxford's dreaming spires.

Club secretary Patrick Gardner said: "We're ecstatic. I'm going to try to get hold of our agents to find out when work can start."

Members want to demolish their dilapidated 1950s' building in Hadow Road, to make way for a two-storey club house, with a 34-space car park.

They also aim to build 11 flats in two blocks, five two-storey terrace houses and 17 parking spaces to sell for profit. It was the third time the scheme had been before the committee, due to concerns about its impact on the surrounding area.

Tom Fairfax, speaking on behalf of residents at the meeting, said: "The Royal British Legion offers a community service and it is right that the development goes ahead."

He repeated concerns about new buildings overlooking existing houses and the potential impact on parking, but said residents preferred new, revised plans.

Maureen Christian, city council member for Headington Hill and Northway, said: "I'm very glad we have managed to get a plan that suits the developer and residents."

The club is affiliated to the national Royal British Legion, but run by a separate committee as a social centre.

It is used for blood donor sessions, by a Neighbourhood Watch group and by ex-servicemen and women.

The Marston and District branch of the Royal British Legion, which deals with welfare issues for ex-servicemen and women, is also based in the building.