ACCORDING to the old folk song, the walls of Jericho came “a-tumbling down” but this is exactly what one of Oxford’s historical societies is trying to prevent.

Oxford University is planning to spend £30m building the Blavatnik School of Government in Walton Street.

The scheme has already attracted some criticism, with some saying the 22-metre-high building would ruin the city’s skyline.

But Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society claims the building would have a negative impact on another, little-known, Jericho feature: the wall which would have to be demolished to make way for it.

Liz Woolley, the secretary of the society’s listed buildings committee, wrote Oxford City Council saying: “The wall is a significant heritage asset and should be treated as if it were listed.

“It is clear from examination of the wall that near the centre there is a blocked former entrance gateway. This is in the position of the former gated entrance to the Infirmary via a path between two sections of burial ground.”

The university says the wall dates back to the 19th century and is younger than the wall which bounds the site to the north which was built between 1770 and 1795. It says no special consent is needed for it to be knocked down. But this is disputed by Ms Woolley, who says the wall also dates from the 18th century.

The wall, she suggested, could be retained by opening up the former gateway and creating lawns on either side of the path.

American billionaire Leonard Blavatnik donated £75m to Oxford University to allow the school of government which bears his name to be set up.

The flagship building, which is proposed for the former Radcliffe Infirmary site, has been designed by Swiss architects firm Herzog & de Meuron but has attracted criticism for its height.

As part of the design the wall will be removed so the area in front of the building will become an open public space.

Helen Bunting, spokesman for the Blavatnik School of Government, said: “The Blavatnik School of Government's planning application spells out the benefits of removing this section of the unlisted wall.

“This will open up the public space around the building and create a more open space, mirroring the Oxford University Press opposite.”

A decision on the planning application will be made by a committee of city councillors at a date yet to be set.

HOW AREA GOT ITS NAME Oxford’s Jericho takes its name from a city in Palestine because it was once outside the city’s walls.

It is best known for the story of its walls, which were destroyed during the Battle of Jericho in around 1,400BC.

The story goes that Joshua, who became leader of the Israelite tribes after the death of Moses, lead an army to capture Jericho and laid siege to the city.

In order to enter the city Joshua marched around it with his army blowing horns and shouting, which resulted in the walls of Jericho collapsing.

Oxford’s Jericho takes its name from a city in Palestine because it was once outside the city’s walls.

It is best known for the story of its walls, which were destroyed during the Battle of Jericho in around 1,400BC.

The story goes that Joshua, who became leader of the Israelite tribes after the death of Moses, lead an army to capture Jericho and laid siege to the city.

In order to enter the city Joshua marched around it with his army blowing horns and shouting, which resulted in the walls of Jericho collapsing.