CIVIC leaders tonight threw out controversial multi-million plans to redevelop Oxford Brookes University’s Headington campus.

Oxford City Councillors voted 20-13 against the £150m scheme at a full council meeting at the Town Hall in St Aldate’s.

After the meeting the university was unable to say whether it planned to appeal against the decision.

Just three weeks ago residents living nearby handed in a 1,064-name petition opposing the university’splans for a new library, IT suite, lecture theatre and student union on the campus.

They particularly feared a new six-storey student centre would create light and noise pollution, and “totally dominate” the area.

Then, in August, members of the city council’s strategic development control committee voted seven to five in favour of the plans.

But that decision was subsequently “called in” to full council, which tonight sensationally threw out the plans — against the recommendation of officers.

Campaigner Susan Lake, chairman of Headington Hill Residents’ Association, said: “I’m absolutely overjoyed with the decision.

“I think the councillors have fully understood our worries. This result is down to a lot of hard work and tireless campaigning by a number of people.”

Tony Joyce, chairman of Oxford Civic Society, who spokes against the scheme during the debate, added: “I don’t want to be triumphalist about this decision.

“It is certainly not a situation of residents versus Brookes.

“I’m pleased there is now an opportunity for Brookes to reconsider its proposal and try to come up with something which will be more acceptable for the whole area.”

The council chamber in St Aldate’s was packed with university representatives and protesters for the meeting, which lasted more than two hours.

Councillors said the primary reason for objecting to the development was that it would be “overbearing and have adverse impact on the conservation area”.

Green councillor Sushila Dhall, who voted against the scheme, told fellow councillors: “I came here tonight with an open mind but Mr Knight (Rex Knight vice-changellor at the university) admits that for some residents they will lose up to half-an-hour of sunlight every day.

“Surely that is something that could be easily adapted.

“That they are not doing that shows an unwillingness to co-operate and work with the local neighbourhood.”

Paul Large, acting registrar at Brookes, said: “We are disappointed the city council has rejected our plans at this time. These are comprehensive and considered proposals, the result of much dialogue, consultation and debate since 2005.

“We will take away the feedback from the council’s decision this evening and consider our next course of action.”