A PLAN to turn two HMOs on a main road through Oxford into student flats has been approved.

The two homes at 46 and 47 St Clements will be transformed into 15 ensuite student rooms under the plans, with a common area and caretaker’s office as well.

Developer Simon Walshaw applied to make what was described as ‘modest alterations’ to the buildings in October last year.

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Oxford City Council's west area planning committee approved the plan at its meeting on Tuesday night.

When the plans were first submitted, a nearby neighbour on Jeune Street wrote to the council to express worry at how it would effect a historic conservation area of the city.

At the meeting on Tuesday, the committee was also concerned with changes which could have an effect on the St Clements and Iffley Road conservation area.

Mr Walshaw and his builders are expected to follow strict conditions to replace traditional sash windows on the front of the building.

And a 'dummy door' will be put in place on 46 St Clements, with the main entrance being through 47 St Clements.

Committee member Alex Hollingsworth said: "I have a serious concern about how these doors can look.

"I draw attention to the whole of Pembroke Street where there is a whole street of these doors and it can look quite dead."

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Alex Hollingsworth.

Mr Hollingsworth asked if 'appropriate door furniture' like a knob and fake letterbox could be added to the door to make it look like it was still in use.

The plan also included demolishing an extension behind one of the houses and replacing it, while the outside of the buildings will be repainted.

There will also be bicycle storage behind the buildings as well.

Outside of term time, the landlord has said he wants to use the building for short term lets.

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In October last year, Oxford City Council started to urge landlords to voluntarily apply for planning permission if they let out an entire house on a short-term basis for more than 140 nights a year.

The council also has strict controls on the number of students which can live in private rented accommodation in the city.

See more about the application by visiting the Oxford City Council website and searching planning reference 19/02749/FUL.