A MAJOR obstacle to the building of student flats on St Clement’s car park, Oxford, could soon be lifted.

Oxford City Council says it has found two possible sites for a temporary car park if the St Clement’s car park is shut while student rooms are built on part of the car park.

Traders in the area have warned they could be driven out of business if customers have nowhere to park because of building work, if the go-ahead is given for three accommodation blocks, housing 141 students.

If the scheme is approved, they fear that the car park could be closed for 11 months.

But the council said it is making progress in the search for a site for a temporary car park in the area, despite claims from some traders that the task would prove impossible.

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “We are working on a couple of alternatives as possible temporary car park locations.

“But at this stage we are unable to announce anything further.”

Oxfordshire County Council, as the local highway authority, made clear it would only back the scheme if there is temporary car parking.

County Council spokesman Paul Smith said: “County Hall is happy with the scheme, other than having a temporary objection that will be in place until colleagues at the city council deliver a temporary car park.

“We know that they are actively seeking to do this.”

Restaurant owner Clinton Pugh, who owns Cafe Co-Co and two other restaurants in Cowley Road, said: “We would like to know where these sites are.

“Everything depends on the proximity to the existing car park and whether it will be close enough to help us.

“It would be nice if the council shared these options with us, as we are the ones who will be affected by the decision making process.”

The student accommodation would be built on stilts above the St Clement’s car park in an £8m scheme. Traders are also upset that only 76 of the existing 120 car parking spaces will ultimately be retained.