A developer's plans to build new houses in Headington have been set back as councillors were unhappy no social housing was included.

Oxford City Council's North East Area Committee was minded to approve permission for Wates Homes to build a mixture of 19 terraced, semi-detached and detached houses on land behind Jack Straw's Lane.

But councillors decided to defer the decision until the issue of social housing was addressed.

Officers had recommended the houses be allowed, with the developer required to make a £6,500 contribution for new play equipment at the nearby Croft Road recreation ground in New Marston.

But people whose homes would be overlooked by the new houses, some of which would be three-storey, turned out in force to express concerns.

They said the development was too intensive for the small site and would worsen traffic congestion in Jack Straw's Lane. They also argued the land was a sanctuary for wildlife.

Marilyn Cox, secretary of the Jack Straw's Lane Association, argued that too many developments were already being allowed in the Headington area, at existing residents' cost.

Wates Homes' architect John Beretta insisted Government guidelines had been met on all issues and pointed out that planning permission already existed for 14 units to be built. He said: "We feel we have a very good scheme here."

The committee agreed to defer the decision and ask the developers to rethink the lack of social housing on the site.