STRICT new rules could curb development in North Oxford with residents needing to ask permission to change their window frames.

This follows a series of disputes between residents and some Oxford colleges, over fears that the Victorian suburbs are being absorbed into campuses.

Now St Margaret’s ward city councillor Elizabeth Wade has said further planning restrictions could be put in place through an ‘Article 4 Direction’.

Mrs Wade said: “As far as the [conservation area] is concerned, residents are its stewards. If we want better protection, we need to apply for an Article 4 Direction, which can give either broad or narrow protection to the conservation area.

“It needs discussion and I believe that now is the time for that process to begin.”

Under the Town and Country Planning Act, an Article 4 Direction would restrict works deemed to threaten the character of the North Oxford Victorian Suburb conservation area. A city council forum event is being held on October 22 at 7pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Church.

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