PLANS to redevelop the historic Iffley Road sports ground could spoil views from Christ Church Meadow, councillors warned.

Oxford University will launch an appeal to fund the proposed £30m redevelopment scheme if planning permission is granted.

But the scheme split opinion at Oxford City Council’s east area parliament this week.

Chairman Nuala Young said the design of proposed new buildings had caused concern.

She added: “It looks very blocky from the back and we were worried it would be visible from Christ Church Meadow.”

The university is proposing a complete overhaul of the sports centre, alongside the famous track where Sir Roger Bannister ran the first sub-four-minute mile.

The plans to demolish the existing sports hall and grandstand, replacing them with a new sports centre, will go to the city council’s strategic development control committee on Wednesday. Planning officers are recommending approval.

The new grandstand, which would also house an indoor cricket school and a shooting and archery room, would be 3.5 metres lower than the existing building. Also planned are two sports halls, a fencing room, three squash courts, a fitness suite, weights room, climbing wall and larger cafe.

If approval is granted, the university plans to complete the scheme in phases. It hopes to see building work begin within two years.