Angry homeowners have accused a planning inspector of ruining their neighbourhood by giving the go-ahead to build flats for almost 50 students.

Despite being turned down twice by Oxford City Council, developer Cherwell Housing was given permission to build the flats in Mattock Close, Headington.

Those living near to the site feel the decision, by a Government planning inspector, to approve the plans will ruin their quality of life.

Brenda Mundy, 44, whose house will back on to the student flats, said: "I'm disappointed with this decision, very disappointed.

"I was sat in my garden when the weather was nice the other day and I thought to myself, 'this is the last time I will be able to enjoy some privacy in my garden'.

"This development will overlook my home. It's going to be like a goldfish bowl. I can't understand why it gets turned down twice only for this inspector to allow it.

"Everyone is very upset and naturally worried that it will have a big impact on the area, with the noise and the comings-and-goings at all times of day."

Mrs Mundy conceded the decision of the inspector to ensure there would be a warden on site was a good thing, but argued it may not be enough.

She added: "I hope we don't have to say 'I told you so' but there is nothing we can do now - the decision has been made."

The plans will see 88 and 90 Windmill Road and 1A Mattock Close demolished to make way for two blocks, housing 49 students.

More than 70 residents from both streets signed a petition against the plans, which were rejected by the city council's north east area committee in June, and again in July by the strategic development control committee.

William Moss, 61, of Windmill Road, said: "This is a big blow for the area. I feel so many students crammed into such a small space will ruin the area."

Katie Small, 40, said: "It's not the fault of the students, but they will inevitably be coming and going in the early hours of the morning and they are bound to make noise.

"I know the developers have argued that students have lived on the site before, but this is a completely different beast."

Gerry Walker, assistant director of development at Dominion Housing, parent company of Cherwell Housing, said he was pleased the appeal was a success.

He said: "We will ensure that the scheme is developed to a high quality and in accordance with the recommendations of the planning inspector.

"We are aware of the concerns of the local residents and will try as best as we can to alleviate them."