East Oxford Community Association was last night (November 20) given permission to extend its community centre, allowing it to open a cafe.

Planning officers had opposed plans to extend the centre, on the corner of Cowley Road and Princes Street, to make room for a better kitchen and cafe.

Officers argued the area would be over-developed and said a mature cherry tree would have to be chopped down to make way for the extension.

But their decision was overturned by the city council's east Oxford area committee, after councillors and residents joined forces to support the scheme.

Craig Simmons, councillor for St Mary's ward, said the community cafe would liven up the area.

EOA manager Zoe Brooks said: "We are convinced there is a need for better health and community facilities in this area. Present facilities are not suitable."

The former school building is used by various community groups for a range of religious, social, educational and multi-cultural activities.

East Oxford Action Group, which manages Government money from the Single Regeneration Budget to rejuvenate the area, has agreed to help fund the extension.

Planning permission was granted on condition that the replacement of a cherry tree be investigated.