Capsule hotel at Oxenford House, Oxford

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the building into a capsule hotel with rooftop plant, cycle parking, reception facilities and about 276 sleeping pods.

“This report considers the change of use of the existing building to a provide a capsule hotel (Use Class C1). The building would be occupied by Zedwell Hotels, a well-established operator known for delivering high-quality capsule, aparthotel and conventional hotel accommodation. The proposal would accommodate approximately 280 sleeping capsules.”

“The application proposes the change of use of the first, second, third and fourth floors of the existing building to create a pod hotel (Use Class C1). The proposal would mainly include internal alterations to facilitate the proposed change of use. The proposed basement would remain unchanged, with the ground floor accommodating a new reception area, luggage storeroom, linen store and controlled lift access to the upper floors.”

Officer report

The site and existing uses

The five-storey building is in the Central Conservation Area near listed buildings, with existing commercial, educational, worship and vacant uses.

“Oxenford House, built in 1965-6 by Fitzroy Robinson & Partners, is a five storey building situated in the Central Conservation Area. The front of the property extends over Friar’s Entry to the south and benefits from a four storey outrigger to the rear which extends from the rear of the building along Friar’s Entry to the west.”

“In 1968, the basement of Oxenford House was converted to a restaurant, now a vacant nightclub, and in 2007 the 2nd – 4th floors were converted from offices to non-residential educational use (former British Study Centres School of English, accessed from Friar’s Entry and currently vacant). The first floor is occupied by the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, accessed from Magdalen Street.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier approvals allowed office use and student accommodation, including roof extensions, entrance changes, cycle storage and related alterations.

“23/01482/FUL - Change of use of the first to fourth floors and part basement and ground floor to office use (Class E). Erection of a roof extension to the front elevation above fourth floor and a two storey roof extension to rear elevation above third floor. Internal and external alterations to allow level access and provide lift services to all floors. Provision of bin and cycle storage. Alterations to fenestration. (Amended Plans). APPROVED 5th February 2024.”

“23/01483/FUL - Change of use of the first to fourth floors and part basement and ground floor to provide 55no. en-suite student accommodation rooms (Sui Generis). Erection of a roof extension to the front elevation above fourth floor and a two storey roof extension to rear elevation above third floor. Alterations to basement to create plant area and bin storage. Formation of new entrance lobby to Friars Entry with reception, break out area and cycle storage.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Consultees raised detailed points about accessibility, design, safety and servicing, while highways and police had no objection subject to conditions; two public letters objected.

“No objection subject to S106 contributions towards travel plan monitoring and planning conditions securing details of an operational management plan, a travel plan, a construction traffic management plan and a delivery and servicing management plan.”

“We do not see any provision of accessible rooms within the floor plans 2. While one lift complies with the minimum requirements 2 might be considered a preferable option. 3. The proposed location for the entrance is on Friars Entry which is currently a well used public walkway between Gloucester Green and Magdalen Street. It will be essential that the design of the entrance is appealing and the walkway improved by the removal of temporary structures and also better lit.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the scheme, and committee questions were answered by officers and, through the chair, the applicant.

The vote and decision

The committee agreed the officer recommendation, approved the application subject to conditions and a legal agreement, and delegated authority to finalise and issue permission.

“The Oxford City Planning Committee resolved to: 1. Approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the required planning conditions set out in section 12 of this report and grant planning permission subject to: a.”

“Oxford City Council, Town Hall, St Aldate’s Oxford OX1 1BX a. finalise the recommended conditions as set out in this report including such refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Director of Planning and Regulation considers reasonably necessary; b.”

Minutes