Plans to build an office complex on the site of former Government buildings have come under fire from residents.

People living in the Marston area of Oxford have criticised plans by the Oxford Brookes Charitable Trust, a fundraising body separate from the university, to redevelop a site in Marston Road, to create a 4,940sq m office development and 162-space car park.

About 50 people attended a meeting in New Marston First School last night to discuss the plans.

The brick, concrete and copper-panel clad building, would stand next to an Oxford Brookes' University hall of residence, which is under construction.

Although the site would not be used by Oxford Brookes, it is believed any money raised from the development would be ploughed back into the university.

But at the meeting residents raised concerns about increased traffic, the building's design, and its future use.

Pat Woodward, of Ferry Road, said: "This is not development for Oxford Brookes but development by Oxford Brookes to make a profit. We have no idea who is going to purchase it.

"There is a huge need for student accommodation, so why are Oxford Brookes selling a site so close to the university?"

Nikolas Lyzba, a planning consultant for the Hinksey Hill-based John Phillips Planning Consultancy, which is representing the Oxford Brookes Charitable Trust, said: "Oxford Brookes University and the charitable trust are two entirely separate entities.

"The university does not own this area of land and, in fact, couldn't purchase it, which is why this application is being made."

Betty Standingford, Oxfordshire county councillor for New Marston, said: "This is a hideous building with a concrete face."

Bill Holman, of Edgeway Road, said: "A lot of residents have complained as it has been a piecemeal application. An overall view has never been available."

Ted Whitehouse, of Ferry Road, a governor of St Michael's School in Marston Road, said: "We have got serious dangers -- at the bottom of Edgeway Road in particular."

Maureen Christian, Oxford city councillor and chairman of the meeting, said: "We take our consultation very seriously."

Further consultation, based on a traffic survey, will be carried out.