PROPOSALS for a wine bar, and work at two iconic university institutions, are among the latest planning applications to be submitted to, or decided by, Oxford City Council.
There are plans to open a wine bar in Summertown, plus possible changes at Christ Church College which will ‘discourage groups of tourists looking through the windows’ at the visitor centre.
Summertown wine bar: A planning application has been submitted to open a wine bar at the former Laura Ashley Home store in Banbury Road.
The application proposes changing the site’s use from retail to wine bar.
A planning statement has been submitted alongside the application.
The statement, prepared on behalf of the Witney-based Oxfordshire Drinks Ltd, says: “The unit was previously a Laura Ashley clothing retailer, and has since been occupied by Forces Support on a temporary basis as a charity shop.
“The proposal retains the privacy and quality of life of neighbours, meets all the technical standards required for a development of this nature, and provides a new and beneficial community asset as a social and leisure space for Summertown residents and the city as a whole, where there is currently a lack of attractive and high-quality drinking establishments.”
Reference number: 22/01943/FUL
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Christ Church changes: One of Oxford’s largest and wealthiest colleges has applied to make alterations, which will include the installation of railings, gates and lighting.
A design, access and heritage statement notes that Christ Church is ‘one of the most popular tourist destinations in Oxfordshire, receiving nearly half a million visitors over the year’.
The ‘Broad Walk’ is described as the primary route for visitors arriving.
The design, access and heritage statement adds: “The west end of the Broad Walk therefore often experiences high numbers of pedestrian visitors, with crowds forming during particularly busy periods.
“Presentations in the visitor centre often contain confidential information, and the motivation behind the proposed planting is to discourage groups of tourists looking through the windows and to provide more privacy.”
Outlining some of the works to take place, the planning statement says: “This statement has been produced in support of the planning application for the proposed installation of fencing, stone paving and new paths adjacent to the visitor centre in Christ Church meadows.
“The path leading to the visitor centre is currently illuminated by downlighters attached to oak bollards.
“It is proposed to add additional downlighters in further bollards along the stone paving.
“New planting is proposed to the east of the visitor centre, works compound and toilet block.”
Reference number: 22/01813/FUL
Oxford University Press repairs: An application for cleaning and repairs of stonework at the Oxford University Press (OUP) building have been approved by the city council.
The work will take place on the southeast elevation of the building’s D wing in Great Clarendon Street.
The D wing is described as ‘a more recent insertion, generally originating from the 1980s but with small portions of older retained buildings within’.
OUP moved to its current site in Great Clarendon Street, in 1830, while the building is listed.
A heritage assessment and methodology statement, submitted with the planning application, states: “A recent condition survey carried out upon the Oxford University Press site in Oxford highlighted the generally poor condition of the D wing (D118) South East elevation and the need for remedial works to prevent further general deterioration.
“Given the listed nature of the buildings, the works will all be carried out using materials and methodology sympathetic to the historic fabric.
“The work involves cleaning and repair of ashlar stonework.
“The works will all be carried out by a specialist masonry contractor, with specific experience of the stonework on the site.”
Reference number: 22/01498/LBC
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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
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