PLANS have been put forward for a “jewel-like” clock tower and student rooms in the heart of Oxford.

But the architects behind the plan for Oxford University ’s Harris Manchester College are expecting it to generate considerable debate.

It would involve the demolition of what they have described as a “dilapidated” building at 24 Holywell Street in the central Oxford conservation area.

The building would incorporate five student bedrooms with en-suite facilities.

A planning application has been submitted to Oxford City Council , which will make a final decision.

The application says: “Given the relatively modest size of the proposed site, it could have naturally followed that this replacement building should have a similarly modest scale and appearance.”

But it said the college wants a “significant architectural presence on the streetscape” with a “jewel-like quality”.

It adds: “The overwhelming impression of much of the collegiate architecture at Oxford contains a special, rather radiant quality and an architectural sophistication and ambition of the highest possible quality.”

But architects Yiangou said it expected the classical style of the new building would not be universally popular.

It said: “We have not been afraid to rise to the challenge set, although we are aware that our proposal may be the subject of considerable debate.

“We are completely aware of the criticism that may be levelled by the sadly entrenched critique of the modernists within the architectural establishment, but we are also aware that Oxford has thrived on architectural eclecticism.”

Oxford Civic Society chairman Peter Thompson said while the group had yet to reach a view, he expected the plan to attract criticism.

He said: “It is certainly unusual to see a design like this being submitted for a new building at this time, and I expect that there will be criticism that it constitutes ‘pastiche’.

“Some may feel that a more contemporary design would be appropriate.

“However, the scale, composition and materials seem to be very appropriate, and I welcome the rare inclusion of an element, in the form of the tower, which is not simply functional, but adds drama to the building, with even some humour.”

He said it is a “great improvement” on the existing building and would be a “notable new addition” to a “historically-sensitive area”.

The council has charged universities with developing purpose-built student accommodation to take pressure off private homes.

Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University have to keep the number of students in private homes below 3,000 each.

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