A PROJECT to turn a former private members' club into a hotel has been given planning permission by Oxford City Council.

The former Crown House Club, in Crown Street, Cowley, will be used as a hotel for short stays. It will have 16 ensuite bedrooms.

Developers said a number of changes had been considered for the building, which has been unused for several years, including turning it into flats.

It was last used as a private club with pool and snooker facilities.

ALSO READ: Rough sleepers shelter in shack at former Oxford snooker hall

As reported in today's Oxford Mail, a makeshift shelter has been constructed in the empty space around the former members' club.

Residents say rough sleepers have been living there for about a year.

The city council granted planning permission for the site, which is a short walk from Cowley Road, on Thursday.