A CONTROVERSIAL bid to expand Oxford University Press headquarters looks set to get the go-ahead despite concerns from heritage experts.

The Jericho-based firm wants to build a new three-storey wing because it says it is running out of space for staff.

Now the scheme – which involves demolishing the C-wing and two neighbouring houses and replacing them with a carbon-neutral, three-story glazed office block – has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

But concerns have been raised by English Heritage (EH) and the Georgian Group.

The scheme includes new solar panels on the roof, but English Heritage said this would be “discordant and jarring”.

The Georgian Group objected to the effect of light leaking from the large glazed frontage onto Walton street after dusk.

The report said: “The group is very concerned by the deterioration of the Walton Street part of the Jericho and Walton Manor Conservation Areas in the past two years.

“The new Jericho Health Centre and the works to the former Radcliffe Infirmary site have damaged the historical character of this part of Oxford and have had a detrimental impact on the setting of listed and historic buildings.

“The current proposal would exacerbate this already serious problem and should be refused.”

The new building will be clad in a combination of limestone, zinc, perforated metal mesh and glass.

Susanna Pressel, Labour city councillor for Jericho, said: “It is in a conservation area and certainly we should take that into account, but people will get used to it quickly.

“Glass has the virtue of blending in quite nicely, and it reflects the surrounding buildings.”

The grade II-listed OUP building occupies the largest single plot west of Walton Street, and is the largest university press in the world.

Paul Hornby, of Jericho Community Association, said: “We are very disappointed.

“There were two consultations held and a lot of the local residents went and complained but the architects didn’t listen to suggestions. It was like talking to a brick wall.

“The design is alien to the area, it doesn’t blend in.”

Members of Oxford City Council’s West Area Planning Committee will discuss the scheme at 6pm on Wednesday, June 13.

Officers have recommended approval in principle but suggest deferring a decision for a legal agreement to be drawn up.

Bosses at Oxford University Press say the new wing will add 20 per cent more office space.

The firm currently employs more than 1,800 people at its Oxford offices, but it has not ruled out hiring more staff.