AN OXFORD University college has said it is likely to appeal a decision to refuse planning permission for a large development in the city centre.

St Cross College wants to build more than 50 student bedrooms, a lecture theatre and library at its St Giles site.

But this was refused planning permission by Oxford City Council because the scheme was too large.

Now Sir Mark Jones, the Master of St Cross and the former director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, said a final decision is likely to be made by a government inspector.

He said: “We may well appeal but we have not appealed as I speak.

“It is an option and it is one we are quite likely to go for.

“The college needs more accommodation and at the moment we are only able to house 18 of our students on site.”

As well as 53 student rooms, the proposed development for the graduate college would have five student kitchens, two seminar rooms and a wine cellar.

Níall McLaughlin Architects had designed the modern extension to its existing 19th century building.

The new L-shaped building would be at the back of the college, along its boundary walls with Pusey Street and Pusey Lane.

It would sit in Oxford’s central conservation area next to the college’s Grade II* listed Pusey House Chapel.