PLANS to transform a beloved social space into more student accommodation has sparked outrage among residents.
The Cowley Conservative Club, on 19 Between Towns Road, was bought by Cantay Estates Ltd in 2019, with the view to convert the old social club into student housing.
The original planning application, submitted to Oxford City Council in 2019, was seeking permission to build a 220 student room development over three, four, and five-storey blocks.
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This application was withdrawn, however, in June 2020 for an unknown reason.
But last month, the real estate developer submitted a new application for 206 student rooms, a common area, and bicycle storage to be built on the site.
But some locals are not happy about the new plans.
Writing on the public Blackbird Leys Community Facebook page, Denise East said: “Before long Oxford won’t have any affordable accommodation to rent or buy for the people of Oxford that originated from here.
“The colleges have large grounds within the colleges themselves.
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“They should build on that and convert some of the large rooms they have.”
Another nearby resident, Lisa Marie Smith, added: “Maybe they should build flats or accommodation for the homeless, there is enough properties being built for students.”
The new proposal would see 17 and 17b Between Towns Road and the Cowley Conservative Club knocked down.
A three, four, and five-story building would be erected in place of the original building.
John Lee, a Blackbird Leys resident said: “I am surprised that they are not rebuilding the Con Club on the ground floor of these proposed flats.
“So getting the best of both worlds.
“My in-laws are sad it closed.”
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The new plans created by Cantay Estates will be the fourth attempt in the past decade to redevelop the 20,000sq ft site.
Residents say that the land would go to better use if it was used to build flats and homes for the general population of Oxford, not for students.
Blackbird Leys resident, Debbie Hopkins: “Flats for first-time buyers would be much better we have enough students accommodations already.”
Others questioned why the land could not be used to provide homes for those rough sleeping.
Lisa Marie Smith, who lives in Oxford, added: “Maybe they should build flats for the homeless.”
Other residents, however, said they could see benefits in having more space for students to live in - particularly as Oxford’s economy relies heavily on the student population.
Ben Cummin said on Facebook: “I think it’s all about the economy whatever your thoughts about students they bring in much-needed business to the area.
“I must add I think we have too many now but also at the end of the day we are a college city.”
You can comment on the application by visiting www.public.oxford.gov.uk/online-applications
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