COUNCILLORS have asked developers who plan to reverse lorries over an Oxford park to rethink their plans.

Planning permission has been granted for 32 student bedrooms, a retail unit and office accommodation off Cowley Road, subject to the agreement of a construction traffic management plan.

On Wednesday, the council’s east area parliament opposed plans for traffic to drive down Manzil Way, reverse on to part of the gardens into a ring-fenced compound and then drive off. Committee chairman Nuala Young said: “It is absolutely incredible they could have thought this was a safe suggestion.”

The decision on whether to accept the developer’s traffic management plan will be made by council planning head Michael Crofton-Briggs under delegated powers.

Developer Tom Crampton Smith, owner of developer Crampton Smith Properties, said: “I have taken advice from my health and safety officers and I can't say any more than that.”