West Oxfordshire District Council offices in the centre of Witney could be turned into retirement homes.

The authority has several offfice buildings in the town, but work has just started to extend its base at The Gables, New Yatt Road. Staff at offices in Church Green will move there when the work is completed in a year's time.

Planning officers have been asked to consider the future of the Church Green site, which includes a three-storey Grade II listed building with single storey temporary office buildings and a car park to the rear.

Planning officer Martin Overbury told the council's lowlands planning sub-committee a number of options had been considered, including expanding the office use, a hotel and housing.

"In my opinion, the proximity to the town centre, the parish church, Church Green and other amenities makes this an ideal site for a housing development designed specifically to meet the needs of retired active people aged 55 and over," he said.