THE CHURCH of England’s plans to convert its Oxfordshire headquarters into an office block have proved controversial with neighbours who fear the new development could make flooding more likely.

Neighbours in North Hinksey have raised concerns about the loss of green space, the possible effect on flooding and the effect on the village character.

The Diocese of Oxford has applied for planning permission to build a new block on a garden at Church House and add 20 car park spaces, with a view to selling it off.

The diocese has already bought bigger offices at Bannister House on the Langford Locks business park, Kidlington, and plans to move staff over the next year.

But as part of its plan to sell the old base to part-fund the move, it will need to get planning permission for the changes from Vale of White Horse District Council.

The plans to increase the building’s floor space from 1,096 to 1,480sq m would increase its staff capacity from 70 to 90, the diocese said, increasing its value.

Marcus Wattam and Claire Lewis, who live in North Hinksey Lane, wrote to the Vale: “Covering a lawn with a building and car park will obviously have an impact on drainage and increase the potential for flooding.

“During our short time at the property we have been surprised at the amount of wildlife such as foxes, deer, squirrels and birdlife that come through the garden.

“This development will obviously have a detrimental effect on their habitat.”

Another North Hinksey Lane resident, Sarah Ainsworth, said the size and position of the proposed new block would impact adversely on the village conservation area.

She said: “The proposed office is significantly closer to the ancient church than the existing offices, which are set well back from North Hinksey Lane.

“The proposed three-storey building would loom over the churchyard, its bulk would be clearly visible through the existing trees.

“Because the land slopes up towards the ring road, the new offices would dominate the view from the churchyard.

“The size of the building would be out of proportion with all the surrounding buildings, apart from the current diocesan offices.”

North Hinksey Parish Council has yet to comment.

Diocese spokeswoman Sarah Meyrick said: “We have put in a planning application to develop part of the gardens within the current site.

“If planning permission is granted, this will allow for the development of 20 new parking spaces and a separate, self-contained additional office building on the site .”

The Vale is aiming to make a final decision by October 28.