Oxford City Council has granted approval for a 276-bed capsule-style accommodation development in the city centre.
Criterion Capital’s Zedwell hotel brand received planning permission on Tuesday, August 25 for the conversion of Oxenford House, located at 12-15 Magdalen Street above the Five Guys restaurant.
The development will feature compact sleeping units commonly referred to as cocoons or sleep pods.
The existing structure will undergo expansion work to create dormitory-style spaces fitted with rectangular capsule units, each equipped with a mattress and storage compartment for individual guests.
According to reviews of existing Zedwell properties in London, these sleeping units measure approximately 2.2 metres in length and one metre in both width and height, allowing occupants to sit upright comfortably.
The St John’s Street Area Residents’ Association submitted an objection to the proposals.
The group expressed some support for bringing the building back into active use and addressing the neglected appearance of this corner of the city centre conservation area.
However, the association argued that the application did not meet the standards expected for significant construction work on properties within a conservation area situated near listed buildings.
Concerns were raised regarding the absence of fundamental amenities, including vending facilities for refreshments and any designated area for consuming food.
The objection further noted uncertainty about site supervision beyond a reception desk.
With nearly 300 individual units proposed for the compact location, the group highlighted potential risks including criminal activity, fire hazards, and accidents.
In the planning application lodged with Oxford City Council in March, the developer described the capsule hotel concept as a contemporary and efficient form of visitor accommodation offering compact, self-contained sleeping units arranged across multiple levels to maximise spatial efficiency.
Following discussions with Thames Valley Police, the scheme was amended to include a floor designated exclusively for female guests.
Subsequently, questions emerged regarding the absence of gender-neutral toilet facilities and whether the development could adequately accommodate transgender guests through appropriate planning conditions.
The planning officer’s assessment noted that the change of use would represent optimal and efficient utilisation of the site, while acknowledging the loss of the existing ancillary worship space.
Oxenford House, described as a modern Brutalist structure, was originally designed by Fitzroy Robinson and Partners and constructed during the 1960s.
The building presently contains an unoccupied basement previously used as a nightclub and vacant office accommodation.
The first floor currently houses the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.
The officer’s report confirmed that the development primarily entails internal modifications to accommodate the proposed change of use.
Planning consent is also sought for an extension into the fourth and fifth floor roofspace to house additional and upgraded plant rooms necessary for hotel operations.
During the planning meeting, representatives raised queries concerning emergency procedures and accessibility provisions for guests with disabilities.
The application received unanimous approval from the council.