A GRANDMOTHER last night insisted she would not be moved, despite councillors awarding contracts to develop the area where she lives.

Beryl Mitchell, a former Oxford University Press and Morris Motors worker, is refusing to leave her bungalow in Lambourne Road, Rose Hill, holding up Oxford City Council’s plans to build new homes as part of a £5.8m redevelopment.

The council, which has already granted itself planning permission for the housing project, has now picked two contractors to carry out the scheme in Rose Hill.

Last night Mrs Mitchell, 87, who has lived in the property for 42 years, vowed to stay where she is, although her home could be compulsorily purchased.

She said: “My health hasn’t been that good recently.

“The only thing I care about is staying where I am and getting better.

“As far as I am concerned nothing has changed.

“This is my home and it is where I will remain.

“If the council can come up with an offer that suits me more, then I will look at it. But as it stands right now, I am more determined to stay than ever.”

Councillors awarded the contracts at last week’s city executive board meeting. Details of the contracts remain confidential.

All the homes surrounding Mrs Mitchell’s bungalow have been demolished since the city council unveiled the plans in August last year.

Planning permission for the proposed development was granted subject to the resolution of Mrs Mitchell’s situation.

The scheme will include 18 houses, 10 flats in a three-storey block, 10 bungalows and 56 parking spaces.

Council deputy leader Ed Turner said the council was acting in Mrs Mitchell’s best interests.

He added: “The fact remains that all the Lambourne Road bungalows are or were structurally unsound.

“Because of our own tenants living there, we needed to do something.

“The scheme is not just about building new homes.

“Mrs Mitchell’s property is in the same position as every other one and we want to ensure that she is in a property which is safer for her to live in.”

Mr Turner said that negotiations were ongoing with Mrs Mitchell’s solicitor.

He added: “I have known Mrs Mitchell for a number of years and I would not support anything that was not in her best interests.

“We will certainly be making a good offer to her.”