The final legal hurdle standing in the way of plans to relocate medical services to John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, has been overcome with an investment of nearly £2m.

Concerns remain about how the project will affect traffic in the area and that members of the public have not been given the chance to comment fully.

Health officials had already received outline planning permission to move many services - including the ear, nose and throat department - from Radcliffe Infirmary to the JR in Headington.

A series of legal issues still had to be resolved before full permission could be given and the last was agreed by Oxford City Council's planning committee yesterday.

The public has not been consulted on the results of a survey which looks at transport in Headington and Marston. The study will include how the development of the hospital and Oxford Brookes University will affect traffic.

Councillor Jock Coats said the final legal matter should be deferred until public consultation on the results have been carried out. A series of public meetings have been planned and colleagues voted to grant final permission.

Health officials are seeking private finance for the transfer of facilities and stand to lose out if there are any more delays.