A controversial plan to knock down a disused block of flats for homeless people to make way for a new development has been given the go-ahead.

The scheme, in the Temple Cowley conservation area, will replace 16 one-bed flats, formerly used as temporary homeless accommodation, with four one-bed, seven two-bed and one three-bed flats.

There will also be four four-bedroom houses.

Residents and councillors representing the ward spoke out against the proposed development in Salesian Gardens, off Crescent Road.

But it was passed by the city council's Cowley area committee.

The decision followed warnings that, even if members of the committee refused the application, it would be passed on appeal.

Judith Harley, from Temple Road, and a member of the Old Temple Cowley Residents' Association, said: "There will be the same number of dwellings as at present, but twice as many bed spaces."

She said the road system would be unable to cope, and added: "The proposed design is totally out of character with the surroundings - it's big, bulky and ugly."

Arthur Davis, of Crescent Road, said the building would "dominate the street".

The proposal involves developer contributions of more than £53,000, with money going to St Christopher's Primary School, Temple Cowley Library, and sport, open space and play areas.

City councillor Saj Malik, said: "This area is already over-developed. Why do we have to cram people in?"

But fellow councillor Bryan Keen, said: "It is better use of the land."