Residents have vowed to fight an appeal by an Oxford University college which wants to lift a restriction banning cars at a controversial housing development.

In October, St John's College was given the go-ahead to convert a sculptor's studio in Rawlinson Road, north Oxford, into a four-bedroom house.

Following complaints from residents, the decision was called in by the city council's strategic development control committee which backed the decision - but imposed a car-free rule.

City council planning officers advised that there were no grounds for the condition and the council's north area committee lifted it in May.

A petition organised by residents against the removal of the ban was signed by about 300 people.

A few weeks later, it was re-imposed by the council's strategic development control committee - despite officers' warnings that it was likely St John's would win at appeal.

The college has now lodged an appeal and residents have vowed to "fight to the end" to keep the restriction in place.

They are concerned that vehicles going to and from the new house via a narrow access lane, which has restricted views at its entrance, would cause danger to pedestrians and cyclists.

Rawlinson Road resident Rani Lall said many schoolchildren and parents on bikes with children could be put at risk.

Mrs Lall said: "We will be fighting to the end to stop this. We are just so very angry at the way the college has waded in and the disregard of residents' views.

"We are seeking advice on how best to carry out our opposition to the appeal."

In the past, St Margaret's ward councillor Jim Campbell and former ward councillor Corinna Redman said the ban was unenforceable, particularly as there was another resident living down the lane who was allowed to use his car.

The Oxford Mail has previously reported how sculptor Martin Jennings fought a long-running battle to stay in the studio, which he rented from St John's for 18 years.

Five hundred people backed him in a petition, but he finally gave up in October and moved to a studio in Woodstock.

A St John's College spokesman said it had spoken to local residents, but was unable to comment further.

To comment on the appeal, write to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/04b Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN, by August 27.