Up TO 20 people are expected to demonstrate against a proposal to build two blocks of flats in Oxford.

Developer Persimmon Homes was refused planning permission for up to 57 homes on the former site of Mabel Pritchard School, in St Nicholas Road, Littlemore, in March. Persimmon was previously denied planning permission for 72 flats at the site in November 2007.

The company has appealed against both planning decisions and a Government inspector will begin a three-day hearing at Oxford Town Hall on Tuesday before deciding whether to uphold the appeals.

Protesters will gather in St Aldate’s with placards from 9am on Tuesday to remind the inspector of their opposition to the scheme.

City and parish councillor John Tanner said: "There is no excuse for four-storey flats being crammed into this key site, which is a gateway to the Littlemore estate and Littlemore village.

"Nobody is against some housing on this site. But it will be a disaster for traffic, the future residents and for the character of Littlemore if Persimmon wins the appeal and is allowed to throw up this monstrosity."

Jon Regent, land director for Persimmon Homes in the Thames Valley, said he was disappointed about the planned protest. But he said the company had also submitted new planning applications reducing the height and number of dwellings.

He said: "We believe this development will not only create a wonderful new community in Littlemore, but will also address the current shortfall for new homes in the region."