Development plans for a university campus have caused concern among neighbours who fear existing parking problems will be exacerbated.

Oxford Brookes University has submitted an application to build a new research building at their School of Health and Social Care in Marston Road.

It already has outline planning permission for 50 homes, of which 35 per cent would be affordable housing, and intend to start advertising the land shortly.

Residents, who have seen the number of people parking in nearby streets rocket since Brookes moved on to the site three years ago, are concerned that things will get worse.

Cliff Baldry, who lives in Peacock Road, said students drove to classes despite warnings not to, often parking on corners and verges, and obstructing drivers' visib- ility.

He said the university should use the space to provide visitors' parking rather than housing, but claimed: "Why don't they use it for car parking? Because there's no money in that.

"What are the houses going to produce when they go up? There will be many more cars coming in and out."

A spokesman for the university said the research building would be for existing staff and students and would not produce any extra traffic.

The details of the 50 homes, including what parking would be provided, will be decided by the buyer of the land.

Deputy vice-chancellor Rex Knight said: "The sale of some of the site for more housing, including much needed affordable housing, has always been part of the plan for the site and we hope to have concluded an agreement by the middle of the year.

"We are aware of local residents' concerns about parking.

"We have invested in the U5 Brookes Bus service and have supported the introduction of residents parking zones in the area."

Following a consultation with residents, a controlled parking zone is expected to be introduced later this year in the Marston South area.