PLANS to use empty council-owned buildings as temporary shelters for the homeless have won cross-party support.

In a victory for groups who say vacant properties could help the growing number of people sleeping rough in Oxford, councillors from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party last night unanimously backed a motion to draw up detailed proposals by September.

The move came after squatters used the former VW garages in Iffley Road – owned by Wadham College – as temporary accommodation over the winter.

The Iffley Open House group occupied the buildings from New Year’s Eve but had to leave in February so that work could begin on its redevelopment.

Proposing the motion, Green councillor David Thomas said this was an example of how empty buildings could be used across the city to house the homeless – even if only temporarily.

There were cheers from the public gallery at Town Hall from members of Iffley Open House as councillors passed the motion. 

It was also welcomed in speeches by Labour's Mike Rowley, the city council's executive board member for housing, and Liberal Democrat councillor Liz Wade.

Mrs Wade said it was paramount that homelessness support charities were contacted by the council for help in making sure any provision in empty buildings was 'legally watertight... and safe'.