A DECISION on a new shop and student flats on a former Marston pub site has been deferred.

Developers want to knock down the former Cavalier pub, in Copse Lane for the un-named store and 35 student rooms.

But Oxford City Council members requested more information on highway safety before taking a final decision.

At a meeting of the council's north east area committee on Thursday, councillor Van Coulter raised concerns about the safety of children from nearby New Marston Primary School. He said: “It’s children and candy shops. This is a busy road and children will be crossing it eager to spend their pocket money.”

Councillors said the situation could get worse if the school expanded.

The committee will ask for further comments from Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, before making a decision.

The pub closed in 2008 after an appeal by then landlord Brian Minns for more support from local residents.