THERE could be a future in sight for the former house of famous Oxford photographer Henry Taunt.

Located on Cowley Road, it is currently empty and revamp plans have been welcomed by the Oxford Civic Society, writes CLEMENCE MICHALLON.

Property developer Cantay Estates, which owns the house, wants to create student accommodation in the building, also known as Canterbury House.

The group’s vice-president Tony Joyce said: “We have always been concerned that Canterbury House should be preserved as a memorial to his life and very significant work.

“The long, drawn-out attempts to find a secure future for the house have involved a number of temporary uses and periods of vacancy, which have been worrying.

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“The current proposals would at least involve the refurbishment of the building’s structure and give it a long-term secure future. This, we would very much welcome.

“It appears that the necessary adaptations within the building itself would not involve major structural changes, and would upgrade what has become a rather run-down interior.”

Oxford Mail:

Famous photographer Henry Taunt

The refurbishment plans for Canterbury House include nine ensuite single study bedrooms, one ensuite double study bedroom, along with cooking, living and administration facilities.

The application also asks for the conversion of Rivera House and Adams House, on Reliance Way into 13 student rooms each, and for the installation of 24 study bedrooms in a new building fronting Cowley Road. The buildings were finished two years ago to house offices, but have been remained empty ever since.

Sixty units in total could become available if the application is approved.

Cantay Estates director Tony Nolan said: “Canterbury House was historically used as office space and is now derelict, has been for some time, and is in a very poor state of repair.

“There are also structural and fabric degradation issues. It will not be brought back into office use as the costs of doing so are extensive and far outweigh its end value as an office building, for which there is little demand in this location.”

Oxford Mail:

One of Mr Taunt's photographs

Canterbury House is a heritage asset according to the Oxford City Council Planning Department, as stated in the heritage statement included in the application.

Henry Taunt, one of Oxford’s best-known photographers, leased it from 1889 until he died in 1922.

Mr Nolan added: “The city is facing a calamitous shortage of residential accommodation, to the point that living in Oxford is beyond the means of ordinary citizens.

“The provision of student housing has the potential to enable the release of dwellings into the market place, therefore increasing the residential supply in a market where there is currently with virtually nothing available."