RESIDENTS in East Oxford have blasted a developer over the demolition of a garage workshop and its replacement with a larger MOT centre - all carried out without planning permission.

The Old Temple Cowley Residents' Association has called for action over the development in Temple Road which was rebuilt last year.

A retrospective planning application has since been submitted to Oxford City Council along with justification for the increase in size of the new unit.

Commenting on the application the residents' association accused applicant Younis Ali of 'blatantly flouting' planning requirements, arguing the new building, which according to the application is not yet finished, is too big, unsuitable for the Conservation Area, and out of keeping with the area in general.

Mr Ali took over the site from the previous owner, J&H Cox Ltd, in 2018.

The group adds: "We wish there to be some penalty for these flagrant breaches - and if it means that the new construction must be dismantled, and built to a lower height, in materials more sympathetic to the Conservation Area, then so be it."

Oxfordshire County Council's highway department said the size of the building would increase by 7.32 square metres and did not consider the impact of the development compared to its previous to be severe.

Oxford City Council will make a decision on the plans in the coming weeks.