A massive 20m Islamic centre has been approved despite an 11th-hour attempt to block the scheme.

Oxford City Council gave its backing for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies to build a new school on land owned by Magdalen College, off Marston Road.

The news is a boost to the centre, which has been searching for a new home for the last five years, but Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott still has to give ultimate approval of the plans.

Liberal Democrat John Goddard tried to get the scheme put back to another council meeting, claiming it would destroy valuable green land. He said: "I am not against this project on religious or any other grounds other than planning issues.

"This is going to have a devastating impact on a conservation area and we will be destroying valuable green space."

Colleague Cllr Jackie Gray described the project as "environmental vandalism". But they lost their vote to refer the matter back after planning committee chairman, MsCllr Maureen Christian, blasted: "A lot of people are saying that they want this centre but not in this area. Well, where do you want it? Manchester, Birmingham or Sheffield?

"We have the opportunity to have another very beautiful building right here in Oxford and a building we can all be proud of. It will add to this city's reputation of having a world-class skyline and some of the most beautiful spires."

Opponents of the scheme had earlier lobbied councillors to vote against the plans.

The building will include a 108ft tower and a 75ft dome and is next to Mesopotamia Walk, a popular beauty spot.

The plan has the backing of both Prince Charles and the King of Saudi Arabia.

More than 150 people packed a public meeting last September to voice their concerns.