THE odds are against a proposed casino in north Oxford where residents are strongly opposed to the plans.

The Cotswold Lodge Hotel in Banbury Road has put in a planning application to open a casino in its basement.

There would be four roulette wheels and four tables for blackjack and the hotel estimates it would be used by up to 100 people and open until the early hours.

Oxford City Council's planning department has received more than 100 letters about the application, including one from Hugo Brunner, the Lord Lieutenant.

Mr Brunner and his wife live in Norham Road, where 28 other households also objected. He said he could not comment on the planning application.

Dr John Marzillier, also of Norham Road, said: "This is very largely a residential area and if we have a casino there will be a lot more people, a lot more noise, and more parking of cars.

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