A proposed hotel expansion that was rejected by council can go ahead after an appeal overturned the decision.

The owners of the Courtyard by Marriott on Paradise Street can add nine new rooms to the 149-room hotel by expanding its sixth floor.

Oxford City Council rejected the application in March, partly due to the impact it would have on nearby significant buildings including St George’s Tower and Oxford Castle.

But planning inspector Andrew Tucker ruled it “would not have an adverse effect on the significance” of those assets and allowed the hotel project to go ahead.

The four-star hotel opened in summer 2019 and is owned by Dominus, which has applied for planning permission.

The hotel has been well used throughout the year and its occupancy rate could reach 98% in June and July.