A sculptor who feared being evicted from his studio in north Oxford has been given a reprieve, after city councillors rejected development plans.

Martin Jennings, 45, has worked at The Annexe, at 9A Rawlinson Road -- which he rents from St John's College -- for the past 18 years.

But the college wanted to demolish the former coach house and convert Mr Jennings's studio, to build a three or four-bedroom house.

On May 8, councillors at the city council's north area committee refused the application, despite a recommendation from planning officers to approve the scheme.

The application was refused on the grounds that it would not preserve or enhance the conservation area.

Mr Jennings, of Bainton Road, said he was relieved.

He said: "Remarkably, and against all the odds, the north area committee rejected the proposals.

"The councillors had doubts about access, amenity and design issues.

"The implication was that St John's, a powerful landowner in north Oxford, had a duty of care to the community.

"I imagine the case will go to appeal, so I'm now launching a petition for signatures among local residents.

"In due course I'll be presenting the petition to the college."

Mr Jennings has not yet received a notice to quit from the college but believes one would be issued if the plan gets the go-ahead.

In 2000, Mr Jennings's portrait bust of the Queen Mother was unveiled by the Princess Royal at St Paul's Cathedral.

He was granted seven one-hour sittings with the Queen Mother, which took place at Clarence House during a 13-month period.

Oxford-based Savills, the property agent which represents St John's College, declined to comment.