A NEW purpose-built student accommodation block in Oxford is likely to get planning permission at a meeting next week.

The plan for cleared land in Rymers Lane, Florence Park, was agreed in principle in May but councillors will be asked to agree to its design on Wednesday.

Developers want to turn the land into a block of 39 study bedrooms, which would have two parking spaces and racks for 41 bikes.

The site was previously used as part of a retail unit within Templars Retail Park. In 2011 it was proposed four affordable homes be built on the land as part of a development of the B&Q store there but that part of the project was never started.

A resident living in Pound Way has complained to Oxford City Council that the proposal would be out of keeping with the area.

Planning officers said they appreciated the concerns but said there are ‘no grounds to object to the principle of providing student accommodation’.

A council report adds: “The development will still be making a contribution towards providing affordable housing within the city.”

The city council’s east area planning committee will be asked to approve the plans at Oxford Town Hall on Wednesday.