The demolition of a former hostel to build 61 affordable council homes is under way.

In 2022, Oxford City Council gave detailed planning permission for two four-storey blocks containing 51 council flats on the site of Northfield Hostel off Sandy Lane in Littlemore.

The hostel was previously used as residential accommodation for a special school which closed in 2014.

At the same time, Oxfordshire County Council was given outline permission to build 10 homes for market sale on the adjacent sports field, which has been boarded up since the school closed.

READ MORE: Man in suit exposed himself in vehicle in street

Following the city cabinet's approval the city council has bought the sports field from the county council this week.

Its housing company OX Place will deliver 10 affordable homes on the site expected to be made up of six 3-bed and four 4-bed houses.

Six will be council homes let at social rent to people on the housing register. The remaining four homes will be sold for shared ownership.

Preparation for the demolition of Northfield Hostel started on May 20 and demolition work started on July 19.

Construction had been scheduled to start in October, although nothing is confirmed yet.

Meanwhile the Secretary of State has given notice of the intended stopping up of part of a highway verge and footway at Bampton Close in Littlemore to enable the development as permitted by Oxford City Council.