AN UNPOPULAR plan to build 38 homes on the site of a former petrol station has got the go-ahead.

The city council's housing company will build the 35 flats and three houses on the Between Towns Road site in Cowley.

The authority owns the land, which was previously used as a Murco petrol station. Half of all the homes in the development will be designated as affordable.

The council had designated the five-storey development as 'car-free' because of its location near public transport routes and shops. Templars Square Shopping Centre is a short walk away.

The council received 14 comments from residents who were opposed to the scheme.