CITY councillors last night gave the go-ahead to plans paving the way for a multi-million pound revamp of Oxford Railway Station.

A joint scheme between Network Rail and Oxfordshire County Council will see a new platform created on part of the station’s long-stay car park.

But the plan depended on Oxford City Council giving the all-clear for a scheme to replace the footbridge over Botley Road to cope with an increase in passengers.

A planning committee meeting at the Town Hall agreed to the £12.5m expansion plans and building work could start as early as next year.

Network Rail has already said its 60 per cent share of the money is ready to be spent and explained it was a matter “crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s”.

And it is likely the county council will foot the rest of the bill now the plans has been given the thumbs up.

Councillor Altaf Khan said: “This is a gateway to Oxford. I see nothing wrong with the design and anything that benefits and improves transport should be encouraged.”

Neighbours in Mill Street spoke of their worries over the increase in noise from a tannoy on the new platform. Meanwhile, the committee raised a number of concerns about the scheme and pointed to issues over design of the bridge and access to the station for cyclists.

Councillor Colin Cook said: “If this is the best you (Network Rail and county council) can do, then you have to raise your game.

“This is a major missed opportunity and I think Oxford deserves better.”

Mr Cook voted against the plan along with one colleague, but 10councillors agreed to the scheme at the meeting.

Colin Fields, senior town planner for Network Rail, said the city council’s recommendations would be taken into account.

He said: “Obviously, Network Rail is very pleased with the decision, which has been made with the help of officers. We will now work to make sure the concerns raised by city councillors are addressed.”

The committee also asked for local art work to help improve the look of the proposed footbridge.

More than 4.7 million passenger journeys began and started at Oxford in 2007/08.

The number of people travelling by train in Oxfordshire rose by 16.5 per cent between 2008 and 2009.