PLANS for more student flats in West Oxford are being backed by council officers despite the concerns of residents.

Officers at Oxford City Council have recommended that councillors approve Tariq Khuja’s bid to build nine student flats on land next to Thames Wharf in Roger Dudman Way.

The West area planning committee is due to meet at the town hall in St Aldate’s tomorrow at 6.30pm to make a decision on the plans.

The recommendation comes despite concerns of residents about Mr Khuja’s existing properties in the area, and the impact more student accommodation will have on Roger Dudman Way.

Keith Cunningham, 65, who lives in Roger Dudman Way, was worried that residents’ comments have not been listened to.

He said: “It is interesting that they have a planning process which invites people to make comments about whether a development is good or bad for an area and yet they have all been ignored.

“They have failed to take our views on board. They say it has good links with the rest of the city, but it does not.

“The road is not adequate and we understand there is going to be a huge development at the station.

“It is not going to get any better for the foreseeable future, and putting another development on this site, when his other one in the same street is not even finished, will add to the problem.

“I am not saying it is right or wrong to build here, I am saying it is not the right time.”

In a report to councillors, planning officer Murray Hancock said: “The development relates to a small parcel of land, part of which only is intended to include the proposed building.

“This part of the site is brownfield land which is unsuited to other forms of residential use or other uses.

“Although the site is not allocated for student use, and does not fully meet all the locational requirements for new student accommodation, it is situated close to other developments of student accommodation.

“It can be considered as an annex to the 48 student study rooms nearing completion nearby by the same applicant.

“It has good cycle and pedestrian links, which would be enhanced by the new footbridge across the Fiddler’s Island Stream to the Thames Towpath and beyond.

“As such the development makes good and efficient use of the land.”

Mr Khuja was not available for comment.