PLANS to build a Travelodge hotel in Abingdon Road were this evening unanimously rejected by Oxford councillors.

Members of the city council's west area planning committee agreed with planning officers that the four-storey building would create an "over-dominant" feature close to the Oxford Green Belt.

They also agreed the number of parking spaces to be provided was “inadequate”.

The plan would have seen the former Motorworld building in Abingdon Road demolished and a 83-bedroom hotel and a 43-space car park built.

After the meeting, councillor Elise Benjamin said: “I question the value of a building that looks like every other Travelodge in the country.

“It's not a particularly inspiring development and it's not in the best location."

Thame-based Travelodge had estimated the development could boost the local economy by £850,000 a year.