City planners have again rejected the appeals of a school by throwing out plans for a lucrative housing development.

Staff claim the hopes of rebuilding Sandhills School in Headington, Oxford, rest on the plans being given the go-ahead.

But members of Oxford City Council's planning committee heard yesterday that many residents of Delbush Avenue strongly objected to the plans for 64 new homes. Staff at the 1930s primary school - made largely of wood - want it to be replaced with modern buildings, including extra classrooms, a nursery and an information technology room.

A housing developer would pay for the new building if allowed to build 64 homes on part of the school grounds in return.

Cllr Maureen Christian, the planning committee chairman, said: "We are sympathetic to the views of the school but this is a sensitive site and residents have made it clear to us that they do not want this." The committee had already rejected the plans in July.

Although most councillors rejected the housing plans for the same reasons, it was not unanimous. Cllr Roberta Woods said: "I am going to support the school above everything else. I still think that's what we should be doing."

Story date: Thursday 21 October

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