A council has been criticised over plans to sell an east Oxford car park to housing developers.

On Monday, Oxford City Council's executive board will consider proposals to sell the 109-space St Clement's car park for student accommodation on a 150-year leasehold basis.

In March, the Oxford Mail reported that the council might have to sell some of the city's most valuable assets to raise £30m to pay for council home repairs.

The council would not reveal how much it could net from the car park sale, but a report by asset manager Martin Lyons said it would receive a "substantial premium".

St Clement's city councillor Mary-Jane Sareva criticised the council for failing to consult the public and releasing only sketchy details of plans. She and other east Oxford councillors have called for social housing to be built on the site.

St Clement's businesses and residents told the Oxford Mail they were unaware of the proposals, but most were in favour. Ms Sareva said: "Before we know it the whole car park will be replaced with student flats.

"I'd like to see this land used for social housing as that is what Oxford needs."

The council said the car park was identified in the Second Draft Oxford Local Plan as being suitable for development, on condition that it was used to provide student accommodation and parking was retained.

Spokesman Zoe Howard said the plans were being considered in principle and it was too soon to say how the development might turn out.

Richard Gibson, manager of the Angel and Greyhound pub, next to the car park, said: "I have not heard anything about these plans. It seems as though this area of Oxford has been taken over by students and as an Oxonian I would prefer accommodation for the people of the city."

Joyce Cunningham, who manages a bedsit in St Clement's, said: "I'm not too keen on housing being built here as it will probably obscure the meadow.

"I would have expected to have heard about these plans before, but I've asked around and no-one has heard anything."

In his report, Mr Lyons said replacement parking spaces would be provided on-site.

The existing car park attracts an average £92, 870 per year in charges.

Council spokesman David Penney said plans would be approved only if there was enough parking to cope with demand.

Ms Howard said: "Consultation has not been carried out before the executive board meeting because the proposal is part of the draft plan, which was put out for consultation.

"If plans are agreed, it would then be up to the developer to submit their own detailed plans through the usual process and consultation would be carried out."