RESIDENTS opposing plans to build homes on protected land in Cowley fear they would pave the way for a larger development.

Developer Cantay Estates wants to transform a derelict car park in William Morris Close, behind the former Lord Nuffield Club, into seven flats and houses.

It has appealed to the Secretary of State after Oxford City Council refused planning permission for the development last year.

But Judith Harley, of Old Temple Cowley Residents Association, said community members feared a successful appeal would encourage developers to build more housing on neighbouring land.

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“I was one of the people who fought the application in the first place. We have fought all the applications this company has put in because we don’t think they should be allowed to build on this protected open space.

“We shall be opposing this application, as will many residents in the area.”

The Lord Nuffield Club was founded more than 100 years ago as the Morris Motors Athletics and Social Club but went into receivership in 2009.

Cantay Estates bought the Barracks Lane site in 2012 and the city’s first free school, Tyndale Community School, started in the old club building in 2013.

Oxford Mail:

William Morris Close in Cowley.

Last year a planning inquiry was held after developers appealed against the city council’s rejection of plans to build 43 homes and two all-weather pitches on the site’s sports field.

Ms Harley, of Temple Road, believes developers are being selfish by persisting with applications.

“It’s most frustrating, most annoying.

There are not interested in the benefit for existing residents.

They want to make as much money as they can off the site.”

Saj Malik, city councillor for Cowley Marsh, said he hoped the city council’s decision would be upheld and the site remain open space: “Cantay Estates is getting desperate. They knew what they were buying. I have no sympathy for these developers.

“I think it should remain open protected land. That’s what makes Oxford beautiful and why people want to live and work here. We can’t build on every inch of land.”

Tony Nolan, director of Cantay Estates , said the site should be developed to ease the housing crisis.

He added: “It does not make any sense to leave it [the site] as it is.”

Residents have until March 24 to voice views on application 14/01670/OUT at planningportal.gov.uk.