Neighbours have joined forces to fight for improvements to a "monstrosity" being built next to the conservation area they live in.

The residents in Priory Lane, Bicester, have formed an association because they believe Vine Cottages, a block of social housing near The Causeway, is not being built to the same standards as a private development.

Martin Nolan, a founding member of the association, said: "We see all the other builders having to jump through hoops, use real slate and that kind of thing, but then with any kind of council or Government project, they just break all the rules.

"Even if it is social housing it shouldn't be treated differently from normal buildings -- you're stigmatising the residents before they have even moved in."

The 25 members of the Priory Lane Residents Association think cheap bricks, large plastic window frames, and cheap roof tiles could mean the flats, owned by Vale Housing Association, will stick out in the residential area.

Nobody from Cherwell's planning department was available for comment, but in letters to the residents' association, chief planning officer Bob Duxbury insisted that private and social developments were treated no differently in the planning stages.

But he added: "It has to be accepted that there is usually less money available per unit for social housing funded by central Government and local authorities."

Mr Nolan believes the new development has taken inspiration from Bryan House, a nearby housing block which he describes as a "70s eyesore". Bryan House is currently facing an application for demolition.

He said: "I find it hard to put into words my families' disappointment at the monstrosity that is being thrown up at the bottom of our drive."

Mr Nolan is hoping residents can influence the design of the new Bryan House.