PLANS for student accommodation in Jericho have been approved by Oxford councillors.

But the move has left the future of four popular business in the lurch.

Oxford City Council agreed plans to renovate a building on the corner of Walton Street and Little Clarendon Street at a meeting of the west area planning committee.

Councillors voted through plans to demolish 126 Walton Street and 32/32a Clarendon Street, and refurbish three properties, including the Lumley’s Tea building, which dates from the mid-19th century.

The new block will include six shops and 41 student rooms.

But restaurateur Max Mason, who owns the Big Bang sausage restaurant in the affected stretch, said he was desperately trying to find out when he would be told to leave, as no one had yet informed him or the other traders.

He said: “Since I have been here, I have been on a four-week tenancy agreement and I still am.

“We’ve got no idea what’s going on. It’s a serious situation.

“I’ve got staff all waiting for last orders, as it were.

“We’re in a more precarious position than before because it’s summer and summer’s quiet.”

He added: “We may as well shut now.”

The news also means wine bar Bottega, furniture shop Licious and The Last Bookshop will lose their premises.

Bottega owner Chris Murray said he was looking to move to new premises in Iffley.

He said: “We haven’t really heard anything about what is happening now.

“It’s quite a worrying time for the staff, particularly Max’s staff.

“It’s a shame. In doing this, you’re really removing a little area which is just independent businesses.”

Mr Mason said: “We’ve been looking for other properties, but at the moment there is very little around.

“I would like to appeal to the people of Oxfordshire to be our eyes and ears and let us know if there is a suitable place out there for us to use.”

Developer Kevin Minns, of Minns Estates and Shirehall Properties, said the businesses were actually on a six-week notice period.

He said: “We have been in regular contact with the tenants and they are fully aware of the situation.

“We don’t have a date for them to be out, but as soon as we do we will tell them.”