The owners of narrowboats moored at a former bathing place in west Oxford are still waiting to learn if they can live there permanently.

Sky Davies, left, James Griffiths and Timm Green at Tumbling Bay

A decision on whether to allow residential moorings at Tumbling Bay, in Botley Park, off Botley Road, was deferred by councillors on Tuesday.

Dr James Griffiths, Sky Davis, Timm Green and Maisy Malazi have moored their boats at the former open-air swimming area.

They submitted three planning applications last month to live at the site permanently.

But city councillors on the central, south and west area committee said they needed more information before they made a decision.

Planning officer Adrian Butler had advised councillors to reject the applications, because he said the site was unsuitable and the boats were visually intrusive and detrimental to the tranquillity of the area.

Nick Jackson, of the West Oxford Wildlife Group, also opposed the application and said: "Residential moorings have no place in Tumbling Bay. It would mean the privatisation of an open, public space".

Mike Stanley, chairman of the Oxfordshire Narrowboats Trust, said Oxford needed more residential moorings, but the location was wrong.

Dr Griffiths said he had received a petition in support of the applications with 100 signatures. He said: "We're struggling to find permanent moorings in Oxford. We would gain moorings and the council would gain control of boating activity at the site.

"It would enhance the safety and enjoyment at Tumbling Bay. We recognise it's an important site for local residents."

Green councillor Matt Sellwood said: "We don't have enough information to make a fair decision."

The applications will now be discussed at a meeting later this year.

Tumbling Bay, known affectionately as Tum, was opened by the city council 150 years ago as a bathing place, but closed in 1990.