THERE is ‘massive concern’ about the impact a new yoga studio might have on a quiet West Oxford street, according to city councillors.

Developers want to build a two-storey studio in East Street, close to the River Thames and opposite Osney Power Station.

A planning committee will decide whether it should go ahead next week. Planning officers have said the application should be approved.

If the project is allowed, a single-storey building would be demolished and the new one built in its place.

The current building has stood in East Street since 1926, originally built as a garage.

Later it was used as a dairy and then as a boiler room.

It was used as an artist’s studio until 2016.

Oxford Mail:

However, residents worry their quiet lives might be badly affected by the new studio.

An East Street resident told the city council: "East Street is arguably the most pleasant and quiet residential street in Oxford; during the day we can hear our clock ticking!

"The client/customer intensive nature of a studio business will shatter the calm from morning to night, seven days a week, and on the hour, every hour, during the day, as one class goes and the next one arrives, there could be a 40-person hiatus on the East Street narrow pavement."

The studio would employ two full-time and 20 part-time equivalent staff, who would work hours of three more full-time staff.

The development would be car-free and bike spaces are included in its proposed renovation.

Despite the concerns of 29 people who have objected, another 23 people have written in support.

They raise points that it would enhance rather than detract from the area and that there is a 'need for a dedicated yoga studio'.

Another respondent, who does not live in Oxford, wrote: "Since the Yoga Garden, Summertown closed a couple of years ago, there has been a great need for a dedicated, independent yoga space able to host and support a diverse community of teachers and students.

"I wholeheartedly support this application."

READ MORE: War of words in West Oxford over East Street yoga studio plans

Labour city councillors Susanna Pressel, James Fry, John Tanner and Alex Hollingsworth said they wanted the application to be decided by the council's West Area planning committee on Tuesday because of the breadth of public concern.

They said they were aware of people's worries about reclassifying the use of the building and its design.

The planning committee will decide what should happen to the project at Oxford Town Hall from 6pm on Tuesday.