Oxford University has been given the go-ahead to build a futuristic building in a Victorian area of North Oxford.

The university's decision to ask the world's most famous woman architect to produce a design for its Middle East Centre extension in Woodstock Road divided local residents.

Baghdad-born architect Zaha Hadid is celebrated for her form-bending visions.

But positioning a fibreglass, concave structures between a Victorian and Edwardian house upset the local Victorian Group, which argued it would be out of place in the North Oxford Victorian Suburb Conservation area.

But city councillors approved planning permission for what will be known as the Softbridge Building at the Middle East Centre, which is part of St Antony's College.

The vote at the city council's north area committee last Thursday was tied at four-four before chairman Alan Armitage used his casting vote to approve the application.

The colour of the building has not yet been decided — dark bronze has been suggested — and the developer says it is happy for planning officers to pick a colour.

The curved building resembles the upturned hull of a ship. It will contain a lecture theatre, library and an archive storage area.

North Oxford councillor Jean Fooks said: "This application has provoked an enormous amount of debate. In the end I voted against it because I did not think the building would be in keeping with the area.

"There is also a concern that the building could affect the roots of a large redwood tree, and the council's tree officers have been asked to give advice on that point."

Dr Eugene Rogan, director of the Middle East Centre, said: "We are delighted that the north area committee has given planning permission for this exciting new building to go ahead.

"The Softbridge Building should benefit not just university staff and students but also the people of Oxford.

"It will also have a 125-seat, purpose-built lecture theatre for our programme of public seminars for exhibitions open to the public.

"The architect Zaha Hadid is known throughout the world for her beautiful sculptural buildings.

"The fact that one of the most celebrated architects of our time is behind the project is good news for Oxford."

Dr John Hood, vice chancellor of Oxford University, added: "This is a very exciting project involving an architect with a hugely impressive international reputation."

Mr Armitage said after the meeting: "Some people have described this building as 'brutal', but I am afraid I do not agree — I think it is very nicely sculpted, and it's nice to see a building that has the courage of its convictions."

Ms Hadid's work has been at the centre of arachitectural storms around the world.

She is almost as well known for designs that were never built — like her plan for the Cardiff Bay Opera House — as for the complex modern buildings that some say have rewritten the rules of architecture.

Recent projects worked on by London-based Zaha Hadid Ltd include the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, in Cincinnati, the Hoenheim Nord Terminus in Strasbourg, and the BMW Central Building in Leipzig.

She has also been involved in designing facilities for the 2012 Olympics in London.