WORK has begun on a controversial development at a former leisure centre.

Campaigners fought for years to save Temple Cowley Pools, which closed in 2015, but councillors voted to approve plans for 48 homes on the Temple Road site last year.

Designed by Hester Architects, the new neighbourhood will be made up of three apartment blocks and a series of semi-detached and terraced houses.

Of these, 29 homes will be available for shared ownership and 19 for affordable rent, with the initial rents set at social rent levels. Catalyst has received Homes England funding so that all of the new homes will be affordable.

Tom Titherington, executive director of property and growth at Catalyst, said: “Delivering this 100 per cent affordable scheme in Temple Cowley demonstrates Catalyst’s ongoing commitment to deliver affordable housing to those that need it most.

“We will also be creating a new high-quality and well managed neighbourhood in this part of Oxford.”

Catalyst purchased the site from Oxford City Council in December 2014 for £3.6million, and it is estimated that the homes will be finished in autumn 2019.

City council deputy leader Linda Smith said: “The city council’s sale of this site generated a valuable contribution towards the modern Leys Pool and Leisure Centre which is now being enjoyed by residents from across East Oxford and beyond.”