Plans to turn a derelict pavilion into Oxfordshire's first community-owned Hindu temple have been approved.

Oxford Hindu Temple and Community Centre Project (OHTCCP) have been searched for 14 years for premises before reaching an agreement in principle with Oxford City Council in March.

The application has now been officially approved and the pavilion and changing rooms facility at Court Place Farm in Marston will be renovated as part of plans for a 26-year lease.

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OHTCCP set up a petition signed by almost 7000 people calling on Oxfordshire’s district and county councils to work with the community to find a place for the temple and community centre.

After three years of negotiations with the city council and a successful bid was made when the building went on the open market last year.

The building will also be used as a social hub which can will be used for a range of community projects.

In March, OHTCCP’s chairman Mr Mukesh said: "Apart from providing a place of worship for Hindus, the temple and community centre will continue and accelerate OHTCCP’s longstanding community activism.

"It will host food kitchens open to all, social meetings for the elderly and isolated, English language classes for speakers of other languages, yoga and wellbeing classes and music and cultural sessions among other activities.

"The members and executive committee of OHTCCP thank all who have worked so hard for 14 years to get us to this point.

"This is the beginning of a new journey and we appeal for the continued support of the entire Oxfordshire community."