A controversial sports and housing development in Cowley has won initial backing from councillors, amid criticism from golfers and people living near the site.

Morris Motors Sports and Social Club wants to demolish its clubhouse, between Crescent Road and Barracks Lane, and build a new club and homes, in partnership with Chesside Homes and Romford Housing.

A total of 63 houses and flats are planned for the site, which will include 30 per cent of social housing.

But Cyril Claridge, a member of Southfield Golf Club, told the city council's Cowley area committee on May 7 that the housing development could be too close to the golf course's fourth tee. He said: "I can see problems with balls going through windows. I don't think the golf club has been consulted."

Residents also said their homes could lose daylight and become over-shadowed by the development.

Briony Enser, of Turner Close, warned an increase in traffic could pose a risk to pedestrians and the community might not benefit fully from a bigger sports club.

She said: "We understand they want to use it for international weight-lifting. Not much community use there."

But councillors Stan Taylor, Ruth Beer and Dan Paskins approved the plans in principle.

However, they stressed that residents' views should be taken into account by the council's strategic development and control committee, which is due to consider the application on June 4.

After the meeting, sports and social club chairman Tom Doliamie said the club, which has more than 2,000 members and offers 15 types of sports, would have to close if its decaying building were not up-graded.

He said the plans had been welcomed by Sport England.

He added: "We will try to accommodate the views of residents, but we have already made changes.

"There's not much more we can do."