AN hotel in Oxford could be turned into student accommodation for one of the city’s university colleges.

The Oxford Townhouse on Abingdon Road closed down due to the impact of the covid pandemic, after operating as a hotel for the past 25 years.

Now Hertford College wants to turn the building into permanent accommodation for its students and has submitted an application to Oxford City Council, the planning authority.

The plans are for a student accommodation including 15 en-suite bedrooms, one staff bedroom and a communal kitchen, dining room and lounge.

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A planning statement prepared by Knights plc on behalf of the college said: “The existing use is closing as it no longer represents a viable business to the current operator.

“The proposed use as student and conference accommodation with on-site staff presence is considered therefore to be an appropriate replacement use which will ensure the continued occupation of the building in the primarily residential area.

“The accommodation would be in use by students during the academic term and for conference guest associated with the university on a bed and breakfast basis.

“It will be relatively small scale and will not therefore be out of keeping with the surrounding uses, nor will it generate significantly more activity than the current bed and breakfast use.”

Students living at the premises would not be permitted to keep cars while in residence and parking spaces for 16 bikes would be provided at the back of the building.

The council is expected to make a decision by December 2.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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