A £15m regeneration scheme aiming to revitalise Oxford’s Little Clarendon Street looks set to be rejected by city councillors tomorrow.

Officers have recommended that the council’s north area committee refuses permission to demolish a landmark property on the corner of Walton Street and Little Clarendon Street.

Residents and conservationists objected to the demolition of the building, which has been boarded up in recent months.

The developers, Shirehall Properties, want to build six new shops with 36 student rooms above.

The company said the scheme would help restore the street — once known as “Little Trendy Street” because of its boutiques and restaurants — to its former glory.

But the officers’ report to the committee says demolition of the existing buildings is not justified because of the contribution they make to the character and appearance of the conservation area.