Controversial plans to build accommodation blocks for 592 students were finally given the go-ahead yesterday.

Oxford Brookes University is to build 17 three-storey accommodation blocks on the former government offices site in Marston Road. The plans provoked more than 300 letters of objection to Oxford City Council's planning committee.

Prof Graham UptonIn a bid to make Brookes draw up less institutional building designs, Marston ward councillors asked for the application to be considered by the full council.

It had already been approved by the planning committee.

At yesterday's full council meeting, councillors voted to uphold the planning committee's decision. The vote was carried by 21 votes to 12.

Dr Susan Mallett, speaking on behalf of the New Marston South Residents' Association, said residents did not object to student accommodation on the site, but were concerned about the scale and intensity of the development and the impact it would have on the Headington Hill conservation area.

Dr Mallett said the blocks would be twice the height of other buildings in the area and would stand out against the city's green back-drop when viewed from St Mary the Virgin Church, in Oxford.

Marston ward councillor Mary Clarkson urged members to refer the application back to the planning committee so that English Heritage could comment on the plans. The conservation group is visiting Oxford today.

Cllr Clarkson said the site deserved more imaginative architecture, in keeping with the surrounding residential area.

Prof Graham Upton, vice-chancellor of Brookes, said: "We have made substantial design changes so that the scheme blends in with the urban environment."

Prof Upton also said the study bedrooms would free up low-cost housing in Oxford, releasing about 150 homes in the private rented sector.