Controversial plans to demolish an historical city centre cinema and replace it with an aparthotel are set for a decision. 

Applicant Marick Real Estate Limited submitted the scheme to Oxford City Council for the former Odeon cinema in George Street in June. 

The aparthotel will feature around 145 rooms, and these will be built on the upper five storeys of the building, with a reception on the ground floor, including a bar and café.

Aparthotel rooms are different from those at a normal hotel as they offer furnished apartments, with an en-suite kitchen featuring a cooker and fridge.

The scheme will be decided by the planning committee on Tuesday, October 15. Planning officers have recommended it for permission. 

READ MORE: Oxford: Major scheme for more than 1,400 homes permitted

CGI of aparthotel plans (Image: Oxford City Council) According to the meeting's papers, 97 people have submitted objections. One of the sticking points is the preservation of the Newbury Abbot Trent relief. 

The former cinema dates back to the 1930s. 

The planning officers' report addressed some of the concerns.

The report said: “In terms of anti-social behaviour, the aparthotel would operate 24/7 with natural and mechanical surveillance in operation at all times to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. 

“In order to protect the amenity of neighbours during the construction process, conditions would be imposed requiring the submission of a demolition method statement, and a construction management plan prior to the commencement of development.

"The plans would identify the steps and procedures that would be implemented to minimise the creation and impact of noise, air quality, vibration, dust and waste disposal resulting from the site preparation, groundwork and construction phases of the development.”

The report added: “Officers consider that the proposed development would respond appropriately to the site context and Local Plan policies. The proposal would provide enhanced activation, tourist accommodation and community space in the heart of the city.

"It is considered that there would be no harm to the highway network as a result of traffic generation. Adequate cycle parking would be provided, with further details to be secured by condition.

“The scheme would result in less than substantial harm to the setting of the Central Conservation Area, the setting of the Raleigh Park view cone and a number of listed buildings due to its scale and height.

"However, officers consider that the public benefits that would derive from the proposed development would outweigh the harm caused. 

“There would be no adverse land contamination, noise pollution, air quality or flood risk and drainage impact as a result of the proposal.”

The proposal will be decided by Oxford City Council's planning committee on Tuesday, October 15.