A former Roman Catholic church in Wootton, near Abingdon, is to be replaced by new homes.

Four, one-bedroom flats are to be built on the site, despite opposition from the parish council and some residents.

The Church of St Pius X, in Cumnor Road, is opposite the Bystander pub. It was built in the 1950s, but was closed nearly two years ago by the church after a fall in attendance and was sold.

The new owners applied to demolish the building and put up a two-storey block of flats.

Wootton and Dry Sandford Parish Council and eight residents objected to the proposals, but the Vale of White Horse District Council's Development control committee overruled the objections and approved the planning application.

The parish council and the neighbours objected on the grounds that the development would be too big on a small site and would overshadow over the house next door. They were also concerned balconies would overlook neighbours and there was not enough parking planned.

But planning officer Martin Deans said the only windows facing neighbours would be frosted bathroom windows and no balconies were proposed.

Committee members accepted a recommendation to approve the development.