A NEW student accommodation block in Cowley is set to expand just a month after developers were initially granted permission. 

A2 Dominion Homes and Cantay Estates were given the go-ahead to transform an historic site at Canterbury House, Reliance Way, into student housing.

Now plans to expand the facilities further by an extra 30 student rooms will go before Oxford City Council’s East Area planning committee tonight.

Officers have recommended the proposal get the go ahead just weeks after new figures showed the number of students living in the community being well above target. 

Oxford Brookes has 3,800 students living in the community, above the cap imposed by Oxford City Council of 3,000. Last month it said it was committed to reducing the gap and yesterday said additional halls of residence would 'help rather than hinder' the university in meeting the target. 

In outlining its recommendation to support the project, city council officers said the development was both ‘sustainable and appropriate’.

The report reads: “It preserves the special character and appearance of Canterbury House, which is a non-designated heritage asset and the street scene. There would be no harm to adjoining neighbours.”

Architect Andrew Spurring, who is behind the plans, said: “The development will make more efficient use of a previously developed site, bringing into use three buildings and a brownfield site that are currently vacant. 

“The site is within close proximity to a full range of local services and is served by regular bus services, with a bus stop immediately adjacent on the Cowley Road. 

“In addition the proposed student accommodation will be controlled by management agreements preventing car ownership. 

“The use of public transport or cycles will therefore be positively encouraged and covered secure storage for 60 cycles will be provided.”

“The new building is located at the junction of Cowley Road with Reliance Way, with the room elevations facing south west and north east, so there is no real opportunity for passive solar gain.”

Council leader Bob Price previously warned that the city council could block any further expansions until student numbers were brought under control but it was not necessary at this stage. 

The city council will determine the proposal at the Town Hall meeting tonight on Wednesday at 6pm. Oxford Brookes University says there have been no formal discussions with the developers on the application for Canterbury House.

Canterbury House was the home of well-known Oxford photographer Henry Taunt from 1889 until his death in 1922 and a blue plaque commemorated him. 

*AMENDED: A previous version of this article stated that Oxford Brookes had applied for the expansion. However, A2 Dominion Homes and Cantay Estates are the applicants. It also stated that it was for Oxford Brookes university students. That is yet to be decided.