THE redevelopment of Oxford’s former masonic lodge has come a step closer.

Development company Homespace has unveiled its plans to transform 333 Banbury Road into 17 family homes.

The Oxford Centre was put on the market by the Oxfordshire Masonic Hall Company after it closed in September 2012, with eight members of staff made redundant. A decline in conference trade was blamed for the decision.

The building, which sits in 1.3 acres of grounds in Summertown, was acquired by the Masons more than 50 years ago.

Homespace plans to extend and convert the original 1823 villa to make four two-bed flats and two three-bed houses, and build a terrace, above right, of five five-bed and six three-bed flats in terraces in the grounds. Victor Regoczy, a director of Homespace, said: “We had a discussion with the city council and because of the historic nature of the site we decided this scheme would work better. We consider housing is the right project. There is no demand for conference facilities there.”

The planning application proposes 33 parking spaces and a new access route from Capel Close.