A PLAN to limit the number of bars, pubs and clubs opening in Cowley Road, Oxford, looks set to go ahead next month after no objections were raised.

Public consultation on extending the so-called 'special saturation policy', which limits the number of licensed premises that can be opened in an area, to East Oxford, ended yesterday.

The response is due to be discussed by Oxford City Council's Licensing and Gambling Act committee in October.

The special saturation policy was first introduced in the city centre, after concerns about an increase in drink-fuelled violence and fears about the ability of police to deal with drunken trouble-makers.

Pub chain Walkabout tried and failed on several occasions to get a licence to turn the former Opium Den restaurant into a bar.

City council licensing manager Tony Payne said: "We've had no opposition to it. We've only had a couple of responses from current licence holders, but we have had some from residents' associations, individuals and from the area committees.

"About half have said they support the proposal and none have actually opposed it. We have also had correspondence from the Oxford Safer Communities Partnership, which was in favour."

If ratified at a meeting of all 48 city councillors, a special saturation policy in Cowley Road could be in place by January.

Insp Brian Cooper, in charge of policing East Oxford, said: "There are over 40 licensed premises already in East Oxford and you have to ask how many can the area sustain.

"All licensed premises, particularly in the evening with people drinking, do have an impact on policing.

"It's already quite a vibrant area anyway and I have doubts that any more licensed premises are required - and I have some concerns that more licensed premises would impact adversely on policing conditions."

The city council's east area committee has said it wants to see the policy in place to cut drink-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour.

City councillor Sid Phelps, who represents St Mary's ward, which includes half of Cowley Road, said: "The fact we have had no opposition to it shows people either are completely indifferent or supportive - and I would suggest it is the latter.

"Anyone who lives on or around the Cowley Road feels we've got enough bars already. We do need some kind of policy to restrain unfettered growth.

"We're a dynamic community down here and there is a lot of nightlife economy, but you can have too much of a good thing - and we have got enough of it."