RESIDENTS have voiced concerns about the sale of nine Victorian student houses in Oxford’s Iffley Road.

Exeter College is selling the row of houses, valued at around £6.75m.

Subject to planning permission, there is the potential the site could be completely transformed.

Peter Thompson, chairman of the Oxford Civic Society, said: “This area of Oxford already suffers from a surfeit of student housing in particular streets.

“The most appropriate use for these houses would be that for which they were designed, i.e. domestic residences.

“Presumably Exeter College is disposing of the properties because it no longer has a need for student accommodation in this location, and the opportunity should be taken to restore to the local community the kind of social contribution which families can bring.”

The 1.19-acre plot has the potential to substantially increase the development area, according to the site’s surveyors.

They added part of the row used to be a hotel, and there would be the potential to return the site to that use.

There is also a possibility the houses could be bought as an investment and kept as student housing.

Vacant possession is offered in June next year.

The houses fall within the St Clement’s and Iffley Road conservation area which limits the development potential.

Tony Abarno, landlord of the Magdalen Arms pub in Iffley Road, said: “I haven’t got so much problem with multiple occupancy homes, but it would be a shame to tear down Victorian houses if they are in good nick.

“I would definitely sign a petition to keep the Victorian houses in Iffley Road.”

Christopher Aquilina, spokesman for surveyor AOS Studley Spring4, which is marketing the site, said: “Oxford’s residential market has bucked the trend for the rest of the country by promoting the fundamentals of the city, such as having the best university in the world, so the college see it as a good time to explore their options.

“We haven’t had any firm offers yet but we have had loads of interest, from a lot of private investors and developers.”

He added interested firms would be able to bid for the property soon.

Exeter College declined to comment on the sale.