A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build student flats above Cowley Road's Tesco should get the go-ahead, city council planning officers have said.

More than 100 people have formally objected to the project getting planning permission over a range of worries, including an increase of students in the area.

But city councillors will be recommended to accept the proposals for 137 flats at a meeting next week.

They will be told the development, which would see three floors built on top of the supermarket, is 'acceptable in principle'.

Officers say that the development would 'significantly enhance the existing building' and would improve the street scene of Cowley Road and the area around it.

READ MORE: Opposition building against Cowley Road student flats

It would also 'make best and most efficient use of land' available, they say.

Last week Tesco said the development would not impact on the store. Although it is currently undergoing staff changes, a spokesman said the floorspace in it will remain unchanged.

Worries about the plan include concerns that it would lead to overshadowing of other properties.

Others said the Cowley Road area is already 'overpopulated' with students.

Oxford city councillors sitting on the authority's West Area planning committee will decide the plan from 6pm on Tuesday.