A controversial 260-home development in the heart of Jericho was approved by Oxford councillors yesterday (Wednesday, August 25), despite impassioned pleas for it to be jettisoned.

As a result of the eight-to-two vote in favour of the project by Oxford City Council's strategic development control committee, 186 flats will be built on Lucy's old Eagle Iron Works site in Walton Well Road, with a further 63 homes on the west side of the canal.

The decision concludes a saga of planning refusals and re-submitted schemes over a number of years, with residents fearing that historic Jericho would be changed forever.

Planning services officer Murray Hancock told the meeting that the amended project now allowed for 40 per cent social housing, "which has to be welcomed" and a financial contribution towards facilities for "older children", rather than a youngsters' playground.

"These plans represent an evolution of continued negotiations that I now recommend you accept," said Mr Hancock.

But councillor Maureen Christian, the Labour representative for Headington Hill and Northway, warned that "Jericho will be ruined".

She sadi: "There will be monumental blocks of flats. English Heritage disapproves of the scheme and so do I - categorically.

"The 40 per cent social housing has to be welcomed, but what an awful price we're going to have to pay for it.

"Jericho is going to be devastated because the development doesn't relate to a canal community and will stand out like a monstrosity."

Mrs Christian was supported by Liberal Democrat Jean Fooks, who represents North ward. "I am looking for much deeper commitment to sustainable development, making more use of renewable energy," she said.

In reply to the criticism, Andrew Saunders-Davies, executive chairman of developers Berkeley Homes, pledged that communal areas of the project would have solar heating and the company was spearheading pilot schemes relating to energy efficiency.

John Tanner, the Labour member for Littlemore, described the present Lucy's site as a "long-standing eyesore in the middle of Oxford".

He added: "I'm pleased it's going. The sooner the better. I do not agree with councillor Christian."

And John Goddard, the Liberal Democrat group leader, who represents Wolvercote, said: "At last this site is going to be put to modern, attractive use.

"There are no supportable grounds for refusing planning now. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by saying 'no'."

Although about 50 members of the public attended, not one of them wanted to address the committee.

The committee also decided to give the Ashmolean Museum planning permission to double its display space.

The decision also means the Beaumont Street museum will be able to provide a dedicated education centre and conservation studios.

Director Dr Christopher Brown said: "This is a crucial stage in the progress of our plans."

The Heritage Lottery Fund has earmarked £15m for the expansion project.