Developers hoping to build 40 homes on sports fields next to the former Lord Nuffield club in Cowley have launched an appeal after plans were thrown out.

The appeal by Cantay Estates Ltd against Oxford City Council’s refusal of planning permission for the development in William Morris Close comes after the company launched its third bid for the site, with a promise of an extra £250,000 towards infrastructure costs.

The bid will be considered by the council, which also has to fight the appeal, and will be ruled on by the planning inspectorate.