CONTROVERSIAL plans to redevelop an Oxford college have been approved despite concerns its tower would break city rules.

The scheme to demolish St Hilda's College, in Cowley Place, and build a new block containing 59 student bedrooms, a common room and office, was approved by Oxford City Council's west area planning committee on Tuesday.

But the committee will reconvene once St Hilda's has addressed concerns over the towers and its design.

The proposed tower - which would be lit up - would stand 19.3 metres about street level more than a metre higher than city guidance.

Oxford Preservation Trust said the tower was different in character to all the other city towers and would act 'as a beacon to shine out'.

Christ Church college also objected and said it would cause 'significant light pollution' to Christ Church meadow.

City council planners said: "Whilst it is considered that the tower in its overall form would be an elegantly designed piece with high quality detailing, officers recognise that the impact of the tower and boundary building at night needs to be considered further due to the large amounts of proposed glazing."