Plans to build six homes and a music workshop on the site of an old bakery have been put on hold after residents and councillors voiced concerns.
The site, in the Quarry High Street conservation area in Headington, Oxford, is used by the violin makers and restorers Beecher Acoustics.
It wants to retain the existing Victorian shop front and build six one- bedroom flats in a three-storey terrace overlooking Margaret Road recreation ground, a workshop, a music room and office, with nine parking spaces. The firm was granted permission to demolish parts of its existing workspace, but cannot start work until its new plans are approved.
Councillors deferred their decision at this week's north east area committee meeting and asked for amended plans to be submitted.
One resident feared that because the flats overlooked the recreation area they would become a magnet for paedophiles.
A councillor expressed concern that the back wall of the new homes would be used as a football goal or for graffiti.
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