Plans have been submitted for the relocation of a coffee shop formerly based in a pub which was hit by the cost of living crisis.

The Village Coffee Shop opened inside The Launton Arms last year and is now looking for a new home after leaving the pub having operated there for six months.

The village pub announced last August it would stop trading as a traditional pub and look to hire out the venue for events.

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It is claimed the coffee shop was offered terms to remain open on the site but plans now show the cafe is looking to move to The Old Poolhouse, a vacant building in Launton on the edge of Bicester.

A planning statement reads: “The Village Coffee Shop stands out as the only daytime gathering space in Launton that is not a pub and is open from 9am, making it indispensable for audiences such as elderly residents, young parents after school drop-offs, and new mothers.

“Initiatives such as these are extremely important at a time when Launton Parish Council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency.

“In addition, we plan to establish a small community orchard on the site as an extension of our commitment to both community and environment.

"Over a period of six months, while operating out of The Launton Arms, The Village Coffee Shop became an integral part of the Launton community.”

A statement from Launton Arms said: “Following a recent planning application for a local site, it and been suggested in the application that The Launton Arms is permanently closed and not available for use by the community.

“I need to be clear, this is wrong.

“The pub is trading and remains available for hire by any group or person for as little as £29 per hour.

“This has been the case throughout despite the difficult decision that the pub's operating costs during winter are simply too high to operate as a pub seven days a week or even weekends only during the colder months.”

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Oxford Mail: The Launton Arms

There has been support for the relocation of the coffee shop from a number of local residents.

Geraldine Beckett wrote: “Myself and my mum, who is 95, really miss this coffee shop since it was closed. We are looking forward to having somewhere to come again. Let it be soon.”

Denise Tumalty added: "As I get older I feel it's really important for the community to have a place to go and be welcomed, feel comfortable and be with other people.

“The owners are so aware of supporting local causes and also supplying the most delicious cakes.”

Another customer, who did not reveal her full name, said: “I am a regular user of the last Launton coffee shop and it was a beautiful place to chill out, meet and chat to new people. Friendly, help given, met lots of people there whom I greatly miss.

“My mental health has suffered immensely at not having a place that became ‘my safe friendly haven’.

“I would move a mountain to regain this place.”