Plans for a £15m development in Jericho on the corner of Oxford’s Little Clarendon Street and Walton Street have been submitted to the city council.

Shirehall Properties claims the area has become “run-down” in recent years and says its planning application to create six new shops would restore the vibrancy to this area of the city.

But the scheme looks certain to face opposition from conservationists and residents over the plans to demolish the impressive building standing on the corner of Walton Street and Little Clarendon Street, which has been boarded up in recent months.

Kevin Minns, project manager, said: “Over the past ten years the area has become increasingly run-down. Number 127 Walton Street has remained vacant and, along with other buildings within the application, has deteriorated in condition.

“Our plan to redevelop the properties will revitalise this prominent corner of Oxford, reinvigorating the shopping experience for local people and visitors, while bringing back a sense of vibrancy.”

The company is seeking permission to refurbish and extend 123-125 Walton Street and demolish and rebuild 126-127 Walton Street and 32 Little Clarendon Street. The scheme would see the creation of purpose-built student accommodation, comprising 36 rooms with shared facilities.

Mr Minns said the contemporary designs would “reflect the simplicity of neighbouring buildings” and would create a “welcoming, inviting entrance” to an important area of the city, which would, in turn, attract retailers and encourage investment for further regeneration.

He said: “The scheme would complement work being carried out by the university at the neighbouring Radcliffe Infirmary site.”

But David Clark, of Walton Street, who is a member of Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society’s listed buildings sub-committee, said: “I am very much against the demolition of 127 Walton Street. The shop on the corner with its advertisement for Lumleys Tea is a striking part of the townscape there.

“Ironically, the shop window is now full of murals celebrating shopping in Jericho. This corner does not look very run-down at all.

“It is quite likely that the listed buildings sub-committee will put in an objection and I’m sure that a lot of local residents will do so as well. I will certainly be investigating the history of this building. It is very much worth retaining.”

Tony Joyce, the chairman of Oxford Civic Society, said: “One always regrets losing a building which has been a landmark on the corner of Walton Street and Little Clarendon Street for a great many years.

“On the other hand, this scheme is refurbishing other parts of the area which are in real need of a facelift.”

Shirehall Properties, which is part of the Winston Group, holds a 150-year lease for the properties on the site, with the freehold of the land owned by University College, Oxford.