OXFORD University's plans for a £29m book depository for the Bodleian Library have been dismissed by a planning inspector.
Last year, city councillors turned down the project for the Osney Mead industrial estate, prompting the university to appeal.
A planning inquiry was held in May but planning inspector Dannie Onn has now dismissed the appeal.
Mr Onn ruled that a functional depository should not "undermine the character of the city, which is a fundamental asset to the university".
Dr Sarah Thomas, Bodley's Librarian, said: "This is obviously a great disappointment but the pragmatic approach is to move on."
Last year, the council refused consent for the depository in West Oxford on the grounds that it would damage the city's historic "dreaming spires" skyline.
It also objected on the grounds that it would not provide enough renewable energy, and that the university had not provided sufficient reassurance regarding flood risk.
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