PLANS for a sculpture and seating in Littlemore have been vetoed after protests from people living nearby.

The wooden canopy would have created a covered area in Blewitt Court with murals showing aspects of Littlemore’s history.

Despite being recommended for approval by planning officers, Oxford City Council’s east area planning committee rejected the £17,000 project.

It was felt the artwork would harm the character of the area and its heritage.

The idea was proposed by Littlemore Parish Council and designs were drawn up by students from the John Henry Newman Academy who worked with local artist Josh Rose, 29.

Mr Rose was disappointed with Wednesday night’s decision.

He said: “I did respond to concerns that planners had and it was recommended so I am a bit disappointed.

“It was also six weeks’ work from students at John Henry Newman and then another six weeks from children at Oxford Academy.”

He added: “It was always going to be a tricky one with it being such a unique piece of art in a conservation area. There wasn’t much guidance.”

He will meet Littlemore Parish Council later this month to decide on the next move.

More than a dozen people sent comments to the city council about the application, most of whom were opposed to the plans, fearing anti-social behaviour.

Susan Aldridge, of Dudgeon Drive, said: “Seating will encourage the alcoholics who currently sit around Littlemore consuming vast quantities of alcohol.

“There are one or two drug users who frequent the churchyard, and a seated area, under cover, may well become another secluded spot for someone to sit and inject or sniff glue.

“The money should be better spent on something which will make life easier for residents.”

Kaley Davis, of Blewitt Court, raised similar concerns.

She said: “There are three benches already on this road.

“They are constantly used by alcoholics, people who are apparently homeless and appear to have questionable intent.

“These people can at times be sitting there all day. Their behaviour is often intimidating.

“I do not want to see another seating area even closer. My front room is within feet of the proposed site.”

The artwork would have been 3.5m tall and have opened out from six stems at street level.

Each stem would have had two faces, with a mural on each representing Littlemore history, such as the First World War.