An 87-room hotel next to Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium is still on the cards if planning permission is renewed.

Former Oxford United chairman Firoz Kassam has reapplied to Oxford City Council to build the three-storey hotel on derelict land between the Ozone Multiplex and The Priory pub off Grenoble Road.

Permission originally granted in February 2005 runs out on May 24.

The development involves an 87-space car park a stone’s throw from The Priory, a Grade II listed building.

Priory landlord Tim Rackley says the development could force him out as the proposed car park area is currently used for events like barbecues.

“It would benefit us whilst it is being built, but I think we will probably lose our area for all the outside bars and barbecues,” he said. “I think then it will be time for us to go.”

Nonetheless, he sees the benefits of the hotel plan, saying: “It has been an eyesore for the last five years. People dump rubbish every day on there.

“Anything different to what’s there now would be a benefit.

“It should have been fenced off years ago.”

John Angus, operations director at Firoka Oxford Stadium Limited, stressed it was a renewal of existing permission rather than a new planning application.

He said the firm had not already built the hotel because it was “not the right time” but stressed it still intended to press ahead, although he could not confirm when.

The city council is expected to decide on the application by Thursday, July 8.

Brian Lester, 63, of Pegasus Road, said: “We are just waiting for the Kassam to build it. It will tidy up the area and hopefully bring new jobs.”