A PHOTOGRAPHY studio in Oxford could be turned into a GP surgery or a fitness studio.

Mark Mason, who has been using the studio on Percy Street since 1984, wants to change its use to allow it to be used for different purposes – including as a clinic, a crèche, a creative space, meeting rooms, a beauty salon or a fitness studio – and has submitted an application to Oxford City Council, the planning authority.

A covering letter submitted as part of the application said: “Mr Mason has used the studio as a photographic studio until recently before he retired. He and his wife still live in the house attached to the studio and would like to let the space to provide an income.”

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Dr Nils and Abbie Rorsman, who live on Percy Street, said: “I can confirm that Percy Street is a quiet residential neighbourhood which has not been affected by the existing photography use.

“I want to ensure that this remains the case, and that our peaceful neighbourhood is preserved.

“The overdevelopment risk posed by a number of the uses applied for within this application presents a risk of causing nuisance and disturbance to a peaceful area, and distorting its character.

“The broadness of the planning uses applied for by way of this planning application, even if not intended to be implemented by the applicants themselves, could be adopted by future purchasers for a vast number of noisy and disruptive purposes.”

The studio was historically a church hall that was converted in 1984. 

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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