Oxford City Council’s cabinet voted to transfer a city centre property to St Peter’s College following opposition from a local campaign organisation, with officials stating that criticism of the decision was based on inaccurate information.
The authority agreed to authorise the sale of 11 New Road to the Oxford University college during a meeting at Oxford Town Hall on the evening of Wednesday 16 September.
Approximately a dozen demonstrators gathered outside the venue beforehand, displaying handwritten placards with slogans opposing university expansion and calling for the preservation of public services in the city centre.
The college submitted a planning proposal for the property in August, outlining intentions to convert the first, second and basement floors into 24 bedrooms for students.
The scheme would require the relocation of American Nails, which occupies the first floor.
Documentation confirmed that Classy Barbers and Castle News, both situated at ground level, would continue operating from the premises.
The group highlighted that 11 New Road houses three commercial enterprises serving members of the public weekly.
Campaigners questioned why binding safeguards had not been established to protect existing traders once ownership transferred.
The organisation pointed out that two businesses lacked any security against eviction given the college’s stated plans, while a third tenant possessed only limited time remaining on their current agreement.
During the meeting, Councillor Ed Turner, the cabinet member responsible for finance and assets, stated that some protesters had misunderstood the situation.
He explained that one occupier benefited from an existing protected lease while the council intended to extend the other commercial agreement to safeguard their position.
Turner emphasised that the college had made its intentions clear regarding maintaining ground floor retail operations.
He noted that providing student housing would help ease pressure on the local residential property market.
The cabinet member added that disposing of the building would eliminate the need for future significant investment in the structure, protecting public funds while generating income the authority could direct toward council services.
The council had previously maintained that claims the sale would eliminate community space were incorrect, noting that the New Road property housed exclusively commercial tenants.