A CONTROVERSIAL plan to overhaul a stretch of shops in Cowley Road is back on the cards, it has emerged.

Developer RTH Holdings, which owns 59 to 63 Cowley Road, was told in January 2009 it could knock down the buildings to make way for two shops and five flats.

One councillor described the plan as one of the worst she had come up against and was hopeful it would not go ahead.

With time running out on the planning permission, many believed the development would not come to fruition.

Now the developer has asked Oxford City Council to extend the deadline for the site, which includes Beeline Bicycles.

RTH Holdings must start work on site by February or the planning permission will expire.

Neighbour Brenda Jarman, who opposed the original application, said: “The new building will be much higher and we will lose a lot of light from our gardens.

“From an aesthetic point of view, the design doesn’t do anything to this part of Cowley Road.

“I am pleased it seems we have got a bit more time and I hope conditions may change again and it won’t go ahead.”

The building would be spread over four storeys, including a basement and would include two two-bed, two three-bed and one one-bedroom flats.

The application was originally refused because it was out of character with the area and would be overbearing, but was eventually granted permission on appeal in January 2009.

RTH Holdings managing director Matthew Harris said: “We want to delay it because Beeline’s lease does not run out until 2015.

“They have been our tenants for 25 years and we want to work closely with them so when the site is redeveloped, they are still our main tenant.”

Mr Harris said the plan had initially been for the company to move out for a year then move back in when work was complete.

But difficulty finding temporary premises meant it made sense to wait until the lease expired.

St Clement’s councillor Nuala Young said: “This is one of the most difficult things I have come up against because I think the design was awful and out of place and I would have been glad if they had run out of time.

“However, I don’t want Beeline Bicycles to lose their place on the Cowley Road.”

Ms Jarman added: “There are so many student developments that the community gets lost.

“This would be more housing for people only here for short periods of time who won't be bothered about the community.”

Arron Harnden, managing director of nearby Shirtworks, said:“I am not concerned about development on the Cowley Road. In fact I would encourage it. I cannot see an extra storey would blight anyone's life or create any problems.”