A 150-YEAR-OLD working men’s club in North Oxford faces demolition to make way for six new homes.

The Grove House Club was forced to close because of dwindling membership more than a year ago.

Now developers have submitted a planning application to Oxford City Council to demolish the former private members’ club on the corner of Grove Street and Middle Way.

The proposed new construction is for a two-storey terrace, using roof space, to provide three three-bedroom houses, a four-bedroom house, a two-bedroom flat and a one-bedroom flat.

The club has a large function room, bar area and cellar, an upstairs committee room and office.

But the building is said to be in a poor state “exacerbated by neglect”.

At one stage the club had more than 250 members.

But by the end it was only being used by about 60 members, paying an annual subscription of £15. At the time of closure, acting treasurer Roger Hussey described the club’s loss as being “like losing a right arm”.

The planning application has been submitted by the Oxford based company JPPC (John Phillips Planning Consultancy).

It says: “The existing clubhouse has never been a community facility as it was a private members- only club with no access for local groups.

“Two pre-application meetings were held with planners to determine the most viable option for the site.

“Although the primary discussion point was for a school boarding house, the planning officer believed a residential scheme was appropriate.”

It adds that the proposed four houses and two flats would have “a significantly reduced footprint” compared to the existing building, while providing housing on an unused site.

But Jean Fooks, city councillor for the Summertown ward, said: “I fear that they are putting too much on this site and the gardens are really very small.

“It is all very well saying gardens have to be minimal because of the pressure on space but some of these houses may be occupied by families with children.”

Ms Fooks said she was also disappointed at the lack of roof panels and evidence of renewable energy, while parking could be an issue with neighbours.

“The application says there is only one off-street parking space and residents will have to rely on permit parking. I don’t think other residents will be pleased.”

A decision is due to be made by the city council later this summer.