Neighbours in an Oxford suburb have united against plans to convert a semi-detached house into two flats, claiming it would turn the road outside into a death-trap.

Admiral Homes has lodged an appeal against Oxford City Council's decision to not allow the conversion of 1 Cavendish Drive, Old Marston.

The plan for the two, two-bedroom apartments includes four parking spaces, and residents are worried about the dangers of extra cars coming in and out of the drive, which is on a corner. June Westbury, of Salford Road, said: "I think it's absolutely stupid. It's a dreadful site and a dreadful application.

"There are four parking spaces, all very narrow ones, and they will have to either back in or back out on to the bend. It's dangerous."

Rosemary Clarke, of Raymund Road added that the streets in the area were already chaotic at certain times of the day because of a nearby school. She said: "The cars speed round there. They take the wrong side of the road and this is just not feasible. The place is a death-trap at times." The original planning application prompted 11 objections and both women said they would be writing to the Planning Inspectorate to explain their concerns.

Mrs Clarke said: "We're doing this for our neighbours. They're all elderly like us and you don't need this kind of hassle at this age."

City councillors who turned down the plan said the development would have been out of keeping with the suburban character of the area.

They were also concerned about the lack of private gardens for two homes which might house families.

Huw Mellor, speaking for Admiral Homes, said the company had been disappointed by the refusal and felt there was no alternative but to appeal.

He added: "Our opinion is that this is a straightforward planning application of the kind that you can see all over Oxford."

Comments must be sent to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol by Friday, February 17.