CONCERNS have been raised over plans to transform a derelict property which has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour in Botley.

The part-boarded-up building at 82 Westminster Way has stood empty for a number of years, becoming a target for vandals.

New plans would see the fire damaged three-bedroom house torn down and replaced with six flats, according to a planning application submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council.

However, a number of neighbouring residents have objected to the proposals saying it would constitute an over development, while also raising fears over a lack of parking.

One objector called the plans 'excessive' while another urged the council to encourage the applicant to submit a smaller scheme.

Oxfordshire County Council's highways team has also raised an objection to the plans claiming the development could lead to further on-street parking problems, on what is already a busy residential road.

In its objection the council states: "The area is known to be busy in peak traffic periods, particularly the school in/out times, therefore access arrangements that accord with standards are an important consideration."

"Inadequate car parking provision within the site can only lead to overflow car parking on the adjacent highway network, to increase the risk to highway safety and to other users of the highway."

Last week the Oxford Mail reported how residents in Westminster Way had complained over the number parked cars in the street with commuters using the area as a free 'park and ride' into the city.

While welcoming the plans to bring the abandoned building back into use, Vale of White Horse district councillor for Botley, Debby Hallett, said she agreed with residents' fears: "In America this would be called an 'attractive nuisance'.

"This house has been derelict for about a decade and there has been instances of people throwing bricks, and setting fires.

"I would like to see something done with the building but I think six flats is too much.

"There are a lot of comments submitted by neighbours, and everyone of those concerns seems to be bona fide but the main objection that will carry weight though is the highways objection over a lack of parking."

Ms Hallett has requested that the application go before the Vale of White Horse planning committee.

In 2015 Westminster Way was closed to traffic while fire crews tackled a blaze at the property which at the time was believed to have been started deliberately.