A PLAQUE has been put up to mark special status that will protect Oxford’s Oxpens Meadow from development.

The meadow, next to Oxford Ice Rink, has been designated a Field in Trust as part of celebrations to mark the 2012 London Olympics and last year’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

It means the five-acre green space is now a Queen Elizabeth II Field and can never be allocated for development.

A stone marking its status – given by charity Fields in Trust – was unveiled by Lord Mayor of Oxford Dee Sinclair on Sunday.

Carfax city councillor Anne-Marie Canning, whose ward includes the meadow, said the move was important as the area was set for major redevelopment including housing, a hotel and businesses.

The Labour councillor said: “It is excellent as it preserves the space for the community, especially the people of Carfax who might not necessarily have access to garden or green space.”