Plans by an Oxford rainforest expert to chop down trees to make way for new flats are on hold because councillors want to take a closer look at the site.

Prof Norman Myers, a Fellow at Green College, wants to demolish his home, Upper Meadow, in Old Road, Headington, and build 26 flats in five detached blocks.

His neighbours have protested about the impact the development will have and, at yesterday's planning committee meeting, Ian White told councillors would the development would overshadow and drive his mother from her home.

"Councillors agreed to defer a decision until they had carried out a site visit.

Steve Sensecall, a spokesman for Prof Myers, said: "We have worked very hard to preserve the majority of the trees."

Prof Myers, 66, holds awards for services to the environment.