A LONG-derelict pub in Marston is set to make way for 16 flats after plans for its redevelopment were approved.

The Jack Russell, in Salford Road, has been at the centre of a long-running saga since it was sold by brewery Greene King in October 2015.

But at a meeting on Wednesday, councillors on Oxford City Council’s east area planning committee cleared the way for it to be demolished, despite calls from residents to throw out the plan.

The pub was badly damaged by fire in an arson attack in November. 

Marston city councillor Mick Haines said: “The community is totally against this proposal. 

“There are no community facilities included, this will replace the pub with a towering carbuncle. 

“People are open to redevelopment but not one that seeks to make as much money as possible at huge expense to the community.”

Businessman Max Tucker also told councillors that he represented a ‘consortium of investors’ who could revitalise the Jack Russell.

But planning officers told councillors that approval for housing at the site had already been granted in principle in 2015.

Officer Adrian Arnold said residents would have to negotiate with the landowners, Zaiqat and Shoqat Ali Saddique, if they wanted to save the pub.

But he added: “That is a matter for those parties and is nothing to do with the application being considered tonight.”

City councillor Mary Clarkson, who also represents Marston, admitted the committee had ‘very little room for manoeuvre’.

She added: “We are where we are. I would like to see a community room but I accept that would require another application.”

It was approved unanimously by councillors.