PLANS to replace a Botley bungalow with a 30-room hotel have been submitted.

The proposals would see a four-storey guest house built next to McDonald’s in Botley Road with 17 car parking spaces.

The application was submitted by Dr Sue Zhang, who owns and operates another guest house in Kidlington.

The plans also included a garage and staff accommodation.

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But North Hinksey Parish Council has objected to the plans, which Vale of White Horse District Council will have a final say on.

Parish council chairman Andrew Pritchard said: “We objected it to on a number of grounds, including the fact that it is four storeys, which is higher than anything else around there.

“We also felt there was inadequate parking. With only 17 spaces for 30 rooms, people may have to park in front of the building.

“There’s also concern about flooding. Botley does tend to flood and there is a garden on the current site which soaks some of the water up.”

Mr Pritchard added that the entrance to the hotel being opposite McDonald’s exit could cause congestion.

The planning application states: “The erection of a four-storey guest house is justified on the basis that, although there are tall buildings locally, the development potential of the site should be maximised and this is done against the background that there is a need and demand for affordable hotel rooms in Oxford.

“As a suburb, Botley occupies a highly sustainable location, being accessible by public transport, and the level of car parking provided is sufficient for the needs of the operation.”

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, next door to the site, has also objected to the application.

Chief executive Paul Burrows said: “We believe there is a real risk adding another exit for so many vehicles onto a narrow lane – in addition to ours, the units behind and McDonald’s.

He added: “While we are not adverse to a small sympathetic redevelopment, this is a significant overdevelopment of the site, has serious highways and safety issues and could well compound the flooding issues we have had in previous years.”

The consultation period for the application ends on Sunday, January 25, with a decision expected to be made by the council by February 10.


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