The owner of Oxford's only lap dancing venue is planning to open Cowley Road's first hotel and bar complex.
Martin Forde, who runs Bar Baby in Cowley Road, is hoping to transform a derelict retail unit into a 19-room continental hotel with a public bar and roof terrace.
But some residents are worried that the former Dreams bed shop, which closed two years ago, could become another lap dance venue and they have objected to the plans.
However, Oxford City Council planning officers have recommended that the east area committee approves the scheme. They said the hotel would provide a boost for tourism and business in the area.
Mr Forde said he had no intention of opening another lap dancing venue.
He said: "The building has been empty for two years -- it's full of graffiti and posters.
He added: "Somebody takes a bit of a chance to do something positive and everybody just wants to drag you down."
According to the plans, the hotel, at 156-158 Cowley Road, would be a "continental style mid-range hotel".
The proposed hotel will not have a restaurant, as customers will be expected to use the numerous restaurants in Cowley Road, but will serve breakfasts.
The application will be put discussed by the committee at its meeting on January 20 at Donnington Community Centre, in Townsend Square, at 6.30pm.
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