Residents in west Oxford have welcomed a decision by city planners to reject controversial proposals for more shops near their homes.

Lamarsh Developments was seeking approval to demolish the existing Courts and Jewson's premises off Botley Road, and build five new stores with parking for 300 cars.

But after lengthy discussion, members of the central south and west area committee turned down the scheme, despite being told that planning permission for warehouses already exists.

The latest plan for stores, covering 9,536 sq m, was opposed by many people in the area because of extra traffic, disturbance and the risk of flooding.

Presenting a petition of 73 names to the committee, Andy Webber, of Duke Street, reminded councillors that the Oxford Transport Strategy had been introduced at a cost of £21m to reduce traffic and improve the environment. Traffic had since been cut by 19 per cent.

"Surely now that we have a downward trend, do we really want to introduce more retail outlets which will drive the trend back up?" he asked. "This development would make this the largest retail park in Oxford. The residents of this area are totally fed up with being ignored."

Colin Cook, Labour councillor for Jericho and Osney said the proposal should be rejected.

"I don't think we should be encouraging greater car use in Botley Road," he said.

He was supported by fellow ward councillor, Susanna Pressel, who said that many residents would like to see the land used for housing.

"We need to take into account people's quality of life," she added."

Backing their decision, councillors found there had been material changes to the area since permission for other stores had been given. Traffic had been reduced and the population had grown.