CITY councillors delayed a decision on the redevelopment of a derelict social housing block after confusion over financial contributions.

Plans for Grantham House in Cranham Street, which was previously used to house the elderly, have been deferred because members of Oxford City Council’s west area planning committee were given contradictory advice on whether the developer should contribute to the local infrastructure.

Committee chairman Oscar Van Nooijen said: “All the councillors want to see the best for Grantham House.

“But it is very important that planning is done carefully and properly and if members are not clear about the advice they are receiving you simply have to defer the decision.”

In their report officers said since the developers bought the property from the city council they had already effectively made a financial contribution towards affordable housing in the area and it would not be reasonable to ask for more money as part of a planning permission.

But at the meeting another officer said a further financial contribution could be demanded if the development was approved – known as section 106 money.

The proposals, put forward by Iconic Strategic Asset Fund, involve turning Grantham House, which is in the Jericho Conservation Area, into seven flats and two three-bed houses. It would also involve building a third floor with roof gardens.

Officers recommended the plans for approval because it would improve the “residential environment”.