CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a historic building in Iffley from demolition say they fear its end has moved a step closer.

Planning officers at Oxford City Council have recommended councillors approve plans to allow a car port and new gates to be installed at Grove House in Iffley turn, as well as internal structural changes.

But there are worries that if these changes go ahead it is more likely permission will be given to demolish the Rotunda – part of the Grove House site.

The structure once housed an extensive dolls' house collection owned by Vivien Greene, the estranged wife of author Graham Greene.

Since the start of the year it has been at the centre of controversy since plans were announced to demolish it and replace it with a new two-story home.

Author and poet Lucien Senna, who lives in Iffley Turn, said: "If the car port goes ahead then the rest will go ahead too.

"There is no need for that kind of space for cars, there is plenty of space as it is.

"Once they start giving permission for this the Rotunda will be next to go because the whole character of the site will change.

"I am not optimistic."

Grove House was built between 1780 and 1823 and the Rotunda was added in the 1960s.

By the mid-1990s it housed 41 dolls' houses owned by Mrs Greene, although they were sold at auction in London in 1998.

In 2014 the home was bought by current owner Rosie Penna, who has applied to demolish the rotunda and to build the car port.

The latter plans will be discussed at a meeting of Oxford City Council's east are planning committee on Wednesday.

In documents prepared ahead of the meeting officers said the proposed car port was designed to look like a 'typical Georgian coach house' that would fit in with the style of Grove House.

It was also said to be located in a 'discrete location' screened well by trees.

In a submission to the city council Church Way resident Venetia Key objected to the plans.

She said: "Iffley village is well loved for its abundance of trees and the conserving of the area to be appreciated by all who live and visit.

"The above plans, should they be accepted, would be a severe detriment to this conservation area."

Mrs Kay added that the driveway and lighting associated with the car port would 'impact adversely on the beauty of the natural environment.'

The east area planning committee meeting will start at 6pm on Wednesday in the council chamber of Oxford Town Hall.

No-one from the architecture firm was available to speak when contacted by the Oxford Mail.