There has been a new twist in the fight to preserve a Wantage building which campaigners want to turn into a community arts centre.

Berkeley Homes is seeking planning permission to build 229 homes on the former St Mary's School site. The proposals would involve the demolition of the school's music and arts block - which many want to see saved.

The town council has called for talks with the Vale of White Horse District Council and the developers, as well as a site visit.

The Save Wantage Arts Centre campaign is not opposed to plans for housing, but says the music and drama block should be retained for the town.

A decision on the application was due to be taken next month by the district council's development control committee at a meeting in Abingdon.

However, the campaigners argued that, because of the level of interest, the meeting should be held in Wantage instead.

The district council has agreed to move the meeting to the St Alfred's School west site, in Challow Road, Wantage, at 6.30pm on Monday, December 17, although the application to build housing could be deferred until January, following the town council's request for a meeting.

Bob McLatchie, chairman of the arts centre campaign, said: "We welcome the town council's decision to seek more information at a meeting and the decision to move the planning committee meeting to Wantage.

"It's such an important issue, that has generated much interest, and it's only fair that the people of Wantage can make their views known and hear the debate in the town and not in Abingdon."

Berkeley Homes says the block is not suitable for an arts centre and that there are already facilities for performances at the Civic Hall and at a proposed new home for Wantage Silver Band, in Tugwell Park.

The town's MP Ed Vaizey said: "I'm pleased that the Vale has decided to move its planning committee meeting from Abingdon to Wantage.

"This will make the decision process as accessible to as many people as possible from the town, which is important, given how many people from all walks of life are supporting the call for the arts centre."