A controversial new housing development in North Oxford could be approved today.

In January, city councillors criticised a developer for flouting planning conditions when it built a development of flats and houses.

Councillors refused a retrospective planning application for 12 flats and houses in King's Cross Road, Summertown, after neighbours complained about the development by Thomas Homes.

They said the company changed its original design, increased the size of the block of flats, and a barn conversion was made into two houses. People buying the homes have been forced to wait months before they can move in.

Now planning officers are recommending that councillors on the north area committee should approve the scheme at a meeting today.

Twelve letters in support of the new homes have been received by the planning department, which approved of the revised design.

However, two letters of objection have also been received which say the building is too tall.

Liberal Democrat councillor Alan Armitage said: "It would be slightly draconian to make a decision which means the developer has to knock the building down and start again but I don't know which way this one will go. Planning officers recommended approval last time, and councillors refused it."

The committee meeting is at 5pm, at North Oxford Community Centre, in Diamond Place, Summertown.