OXPENS Meadow could be preserved as a green space in the name of the Queen.

Oxford City Council’s executive board will meet on Friday to vote on whether to designate the five-acre beauty spot as a ‘field in trust’.

‘Fields in trust’ is a scheme set up by the National Playing Fields Association which allows landowners to protect green spaces forever, as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

If the proposal is approved as officers have recommended, the area will become a Queen Elizabeth II field, and would never be allocated for development.

It comes after the council voted that it should apply for ‘town green’ status for the fields, which would give it similar protection.

An officer’s report to the board said: “As an alternative to Town Green registration, officers consider that an initiative by Fields in Trust...could be an effective way of protecting Oxpens Meadow in this way.

“The initiative aims to commemorate the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee year by dedicating sites as open spaces to be protected in perpetuity.

“This is achieved by the landowner entering into a Deed of Dedication, which will preserve the status of the meadow as public open space.”

The council bought the land from Christ Church College in 1923 and owns other land in the area, including the ice rink and car park.

Oxford Preservation Trust director Debbie Dance said: “We’re very supportive of this. It seems a very interesting scheme and a great way of preserving an open space.”

The proposals are also backed by neighbours of the field, but some have concerns about antisocial behaviour on the meadow.

One Trinity Street resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It is a beautiful part of Oxford that allows the river to flow through natural surrounds.

“I also think it would be great for picnics and other events, marquees could be put up for fun functions, and I would encourage this.

“The reason I think some formal use would be nice is that currently we hear screams and drunken abusive yelling coming from the park, especially in summer, which I’d rather not hear.”

The council has previously expressed its desire to develop land on the north side of the ice rink, co-owned with the British Rail Residuary Bod, with more than 400 homes and a hotel, although no plans have been submitted yet.