A blow has been delivered to campaigners who are seeking to save a pair of hotels in west Oxford from demolition.

Plans by Christ Church to demolish the River and Westgate hotels, in Botley Road, to make way for a new hotel and riverside flats are opposed by local residents.

The River Hotel But on April 12, Oxford City Council officers will recommend that the college's plans should be approved, subject to the completion of legal agreements.

The officers' report recognises the importance of the existing buildings to the character of the area. But it says any adverse impact on the nearby Osney Town conservation area could be avoided by high-quality, contemporary buildings, with suitable landscaping.

The officers' recommendation looks certain to meet fierce opposition from the public when it goes before the city council's central, south and west area committee.

Jericho and Osney ward Labour councillor Susanna Pressel said: "I'm really surprised that the officers are recommending approval. There has been massive public opposition to this scheme.

"Many local people think that the River Hotel is a building worth preserving and cannot see why an extension could not be added to the existing building.

"But city councillors have been known to reject their officers' recommendation."

Ms Pressel said the council was beginning to compile a full list of buildings of local interest, to give some degree of protection to buildings in the city not listed, but still felt to be important.

Both the River and Westgate hotels date from the 19th century. The Westgate would be replaced by a four-storey, 34-bedroom hotel and shop. The River Hotel would make way for a new building with 17, two-bedroom flats.

Wendy Broadway, of Oatlands Road, said: "People in the area will be disappointed that council officers are recommending approval of a plan to demolish the charming Victorian River Hotel and replace it with flats in an ugly, imposing glasshouse, totally out of keeping with the style of the rest of the area.

"We fear it won't be long before the row of Victorian houses alongside the River Hotel will be part of another planning application."

Pat Jones, River Hotel proprietor since 1976, said: "It is sacrilege to knock it down to build flats."

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