HUNDREDS of council homes earmarked for the elderly could be offered to younger people as Oxford struggles to cope with its chronic housing shortage.

The move by Oxford City Council to remove age limits on some of its one-bed properties was sparked by a “growing mismatch” in supply and demand.

Thousands of young people are waiting for homes in the city.

But the majority of smaller houses owned by the council are off limits.

The plan has raised fears that a “lifestyle clash” could cause friction between neighbours in blocks that had previously housed older residents only.

To combat those concerns, the council will charge extra officers with the responsibility of keeping the peace.

The council’s executive member for housing, Joe McManners, said the move was a necessity of changing times.

He said: “We have more young people than homes to put them in.”

“There will still be enough for the over 55s, it is just the vast majority of those waiting are young people and families.”

Dr McManners said he had been concerned about the risk of a lifestyle clash between age groups but said measures had been drawn up to prevent it.

He said: “At each stage we will review it and if things are not as they should be we can tackle them.”

Age limits will be removed from about 770 flats and bungalows in blocks across the city.

The change will begin in April and be phased over the next five years.

It means properties that had been for the over 55s and over 40s can be offered to a tenant of any age when they become vacant.

But the new move could take years to impact on the housing waiting list as very few properties become available each year.

In 2009, 52 per cent of those waiting for a one-bed home were under 40. But 78 per cent of one-bed council homes were designated for older residents.

In the same year, 1,140 young people were waiting for a one-bed council home in Oxford and just 15 eligible properties became available.

Tenants’ representative Anita Fisher, who lives in The Slade, was involved in drawing up the policy and said the council had taken on the suggestion of extra staff to deal with any issues.

Mrs Fisher, 63, said: “We hope any problems will be hit on the head immediately.

“Estate managers will have a big role to play in this.”

Age UK Oxfordshire spokes-man Rachelle Kennedy said: “It is good to bring the ages together, as long as housing opportunities are not reduced as a result.

“The important thing is that older people, particularly as they become less mobile and independent, have access to the housing choices they want.”

Sheltered housing provided by the city council will not be affected by the policy.