A ‘STRUCTURALLY unsound’ vicarage in Marston could be demolished and rebuilt with a different design.

Plans for Marston Vicarage in Elsfield Road to be knocked down and the four bedroom house to be rebuilt have been backed by city churches.

The Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, who have put forward the plans, said the building was one of the least attractive in the Old Marston Conservation Area and needed a change.

The new designs contain stone walls, timber painted windows and a slate roof.

It will also be built to national ‘Green Guide’ standards of energy efficiency.

The Churchwarden of neighbouring St Nicholas Church, Dr Geoffrey Hale, said: “The existing vicarage is structurally unsound and no longer fit for purpose and its design is unsympathetic to this conservation area.

“The proposed replacement is much better, using more traditional materials and techniques but conforming to modern energy-efficient standards.”

Christ Church in the centre of Oxford also backed the proposals.

The Reverend Martin Gorick said: “The current Vicarage is an unsound structure and is a very unappealing design, quite out of keeping with Marston village conservation area.

“The new Vicarage will be a huge improvement.”

To comment on the consultation - which closes on March 28 - go to oxford.gov.uk and search 17/00393/FUL.

A decision will be made by April 18.