THE controversial Oxford City Council plan to build a £16m swimming pool in Blackbird Leys is to be reviewed.

Planning permission for the complex, which would be sited next to the existing leisure centre in Pegasus Road, was granted by the Labour-run council last week.

But that decision has been called in and will be reconsidered by the council's new planning review committee. A date for the hearing has not been set.

Liberal Democrat councillor John Goddard led the planning decision call-in, which required the signature of 11 councillors.

It was supported by his party and Green Party councillors.

Green councillor Elise Benjamin said there were question marks over the plans.

She said: “Certainly the height of the building and its impact on neighbouring properties is one.

“There is also an issue over transport and increased traffic.”

Ms Benjamin said it was still unclear how the review would be dealt with under the council's new planning committee system, which has yet to be established.

However, the council is to press ahead with preparations for the pool plans by examining building costs and contract tenders for the project later this month.

Previously, decisions that were called in went before meetings of the full council.

The new complex, which would include a 25m competition pool, a learner pool and a toddler area, would replace existing council-run facilities in Temple Cowley and at Blackbird Leys.

The council said the two existing pools were too expensive to run and maintain.

But the plans have sparked a long campaign to save Temple Cowley Pools.

Supporters of the Save Temple Cowley Pools campaign are planning to apply for Town Green status for the proposed site of the new Blackbird Leys complex, which would thwart any development.

However the move has angered some Blackbird Leys residents.

Commenting on our website oxfordmail.co.uk, brianbbleys said: “As a resident of Blackbird Leys for the last 50 years there is only one thing I ask of your organisation, that is ‘keep your interfering noses out of our business’.”

Temple Cowley campaigners claim they have received support from estate residents and say they are also fighting to retain the existing swimming pool at Blackbird Leys.

The planning application will not be reviewed before the full council meeting on May 19, as that is when councillors will be appointed to the new planning review committee.