Conservation groups are up in arms about plans for an outdoor seating area which cafe owners believe would give Oxford's Broad Street a continental look.

Oxford Campus Buttery owners believe the area would be an asset to the historic street, which attracts thousands of visitors. But they are facing opposition from English Heritage and the Oxford Preservation Trust, which are concerned about "clutter".

Oxford City Council planning officers want to refuse the plans on grounds that the furniture would hamper street views and spoil the conservation area's character.

There are also concerns about access for disabled people and cyclists using the street's bike racks.

Four ward councillors have called in the application for discussion at an area committee meeting tomorrow, arguing that the street cafe would be a "great asset" and any problems could be overcome.

Supporters who believe the street needs to "move with the times" are preparing to speak in support of the plans.

Soho Cafe, in Friars' Entry, which links Magdalen Street and Gloucester Green, was recently given permission to operate a street cafe and the new Oxford Castle development's Ha Ha bar and canteen has received support from council officers for an outdoor seating area in Castle Street.

These plans are also due to be discussed at the meeting. Ha Ha already has permission to set up tables and chairs outside its other two entrances on the Castle development site.

Buttery owner Sally Moss, who also runs the neighbouring Oxford Campus Stores, said her family appreciated Broad Street was "special" and were willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure their seating area would be an "attractive addition".

They want to set up 11 tables and 34 chairs, while Ha Ha wants seven tables and 14 chairs in Castle Street.

Ms Moss said: "It's a bit annoying that other places are being allowed to do this, and we're not.

"People here have to sit on pavements and kerbs because there's nowhere else to sit.

"We do have a business interest, but we also love the street and are genuinely concerned about it.

"If you go to any other place like this in Europe, you find outdoor seating and cafes everywhere it's part of the culture."

Oxford student James Turbot supported the plans, despite concerns from Balliol College about noise during revision periods.

He said: "I think it's stupid there aren't more proposals like this for Broad Street we need to move with the times.

"It's a lovely area where people should be able to sit back and take in the surroundings."

Susanna Pressel, south, central and west area committee chairman, said people might be miffed that Ha Ha was receiving support when the Buttery was not, but each application had to be considered on an individual basis.

She was one of the councillors who called in the Buttery application and could not comment in detail before the meeting, but said: "I'm not convinced by the officers' opinions and want to hear both sides."

The council had not received any comments about Ha Ha's plans.

The committee will meet at St Matthew's Parish Centre, Marlborough Road, Oxford, from 5.30pm.