A DERELICT urban field is set to be transformed into a bustling city farm that will teach people about healthy eating.

Oxford City Farm has been given permission to move into the site in Cornwallis Road, in Florence Park, later this year and create an interactive farm.

Chairwoman of Oxford City Farm Lucie Mayer said she was excited to welcome visitors on to the site in the coming years, to teach them all about farming.

She said: “Trustees and volunteers at Oxford City Farm are over the moon having just gained planning approval to change it from a former playground to a city farm.

“This is part of our longer plan that will eventually see animals introduced, but the first stage is for us to start growing things on the empty land and put in basic infrastructure like bike storage, secure fencing and connecting key services.

“Eventually we’ll get to the point where we can have it as an open farm and people can come and learn all about farming and healthy eating.”

The site has been derelict for more than seven years and the land has since been given the all-clear for contaminants by Oxford City Council.

Ms Mayer added: “We’ve been working very long and hard to get this project together and we’re so thrilled that it’s finally coming together, although we don’t have any dates finalised as of yet.

“We can now start growing and working towards getting livestock on the farm but our next big focus is completing the lease and fundraising £40,000 more, but we’re happy to take our time in raising it.”

Phil Pritchard, another trustee of Oxford City Farm, said he was looking forward to beginning work on the site.

He said: “We’ve got such a fantastic group of local people committed to this project already, and we’ve already got so many volunteers down on the site clearing and preparing it, which really shows what we can achieve.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming schools through a community project and inviting people in to see what it’s all about.”

Founder and organiser of the Oxford Real Farming Conference Colin Tudge said he thought the idea of a new farm in Oxford sounded “marvellous”.

He said: “It’s definitely a really good thing to have another farm in Oxfordshire because what it demonstrates is the importance of urban farming.

“If it’s going to teach people more about farming and get them involved I can only say that it’s a win win situation.

“I think it’s really great and I’m looking forward to hearing more about it in the future.”