CONTROVERSIAL plans for a £6m tennis centre off Iffley Road have been given the go-ahead.

Oxford University’s plan for part of its famous Iffley Road sports ground was opposed by some neighbours, who said it would be an eyesore in a conservation area.

But the university lowered the roof and redesigned the centre in the face of a strong local campaign – changes which have added almost £1m to its cost.

The height will be reduced by two metres, a green roof added and it will be located further away from Iffley Road.

Oxford City Council’s east area committee approved the demolition of an existing pavilion and the construction of the new building, which will have three indoor and six outdoor courts.

A legal agreement with the university will mean local residents and pupils at state schools will be able to play there.

The university said courts would also be open to members of the public on a ‘pay and play’ basis some of the time.

A planning officer’s report to the committee recommending approval said that although the new building was large and modern, it would “not be harmfully out of keeping or overbearing”.

Oxford University director of sport Jon Roycroft said: “We welcome this decision.

“It has been a difficult process, because of the centre’s position in a conservation area, but I believe we have taken care to mitigate the effects on the area and come up with a good building.”

He said the centre would make the same important contribution to university and local school sport as the indoor swimming pool and hockey pitches at the Iffley Road complex had.

Mr Roycroft added: “We’re now faced with the not insubstantial challenge of raising the money.”

Prof Andrew Linzey, an Iffley Road resident, said: “Local residents are divided about the latest proposals.

“Some think the university has made some attempt to meet the objections about the height, and that – so long as other environmental conditions are met – it’s the least awful possible outcome.

“Others still think that all development on Iffley Road is undesirable, not least because the proposed building is so ugly.”

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