The fate of a Headington housing block which a council wants demolished will be decided early next year.

Oxford City Council has ordered a block of six houses in Quarry High Street, next to Beecher Acoustics musical instruments shop, to be knocked down because it believes part of the roof is too high.

But the developers have appealed against the enforcement notice.

An inquiry will be held on February 27.

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The homes are built on the site of an old bakery.

In 2005, Beecher Acoustics, which owned the site, applied to demolish the building and build six homes, a two-storey workshop, music room and office.

Some neighbours opposed the idea, with one claiming the dwellings would become a magnet for paedophiles as they overlooked Margaret Road Recreation Ground.

The plans were amended, and the council gave planning permission in 2006.

As recently as 2022, one of the homes was on the market for £1,295.00, described as a “unique, contemporary house” with “stunning views” of the recreation ground.

But in January 2022, the council gave the developers six months to demolish the block.

The enforcement notice said the eaves – the overhanging part of the roof – were “significantly higher” than agreed and “clashed with the grain” of the street.

The owners, now known as Quarry Mews Ltd, lodged an appeal in February 2023.

Rebecca Gray will be the case officer at February’s inquiry.