Action plan to cheer up city

It has identified a series of enhancements it can make, including planting more trees and improving roads and pavements.

The council is carrying out a survey of all the city's 16 Conservation Areas, and, in consultation with residents, is identifying what makes the areas special, what should be preserved, and what negative features there are.

Residents, residents' associations, colleges and shops have been asked for their views.

In the St Clement's and Iffley Road area, there are 24 listed buildings, ranging from St Clement's Church, which was built in 1828, the Black Horse Hotel, dating back to the 17th century, to Magdalen College School, in Cowley Place.

Nick Worlledge, conservation team leader at the council, said: "Iffley Road has faced remarkably little change, which gives it great significance, and we need to understand and appreciate that.

"St Clement's has a much earlier history and goes back to its medieval suburb origins and has had greater changes throughout the 20th century, so its significance is slightly different."

The report, which goes to the council's east area committee tomorrow, highlights road and pavements which are patched and in poor condition.

It also points to the loss of traditional architectural features, inappropriate development, loss of trees, overcluttered road markings and street furniture, inappropriate shop frontages, and volume of traffic.

Mr Worlledge said: "This is not a final list, but it does outline things which would be worthwhile doing and records what the community felt would be good for the area."

Resident Valma Gilkes, of York Place, said: "I think it's rather a shame when a Victorian cottage ends up with windows that don't quite go, but I think architects are very much better now than they were."

Richard Gaunt, 49, of Alma Place, said: "Anything that makes the area more attractive makes it better for residents."