Opinion is split over major plans for nine new flats to replace a car dealership on a major Oxford road.
A planning application has been submitted to replace S.D. Timmo Car Sales, in Abingdon Road, with the new two-storey building.
The applicant, Mark Avery, said in the planning documents that the scheme would "set a high standard for future development in the vicinity".
It is an outline planning application for the demolition of the existing car dealership, workshop and two flats, to replace them with the new building.
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Three supporting comments and one objection have been submitted.
Imogen Goold, who lives in Norreys Avenue, said: “The design should be reconsidered. These are completely out of keeping with the area - highly modern whereas in Norreys Avenue, Sunningwell, Abingdon Road there are much older properties.
“There's no need for them to be so jarringly modern. It undermines the character of the area. They are visually very out of keeping.”
Supporter Nicola Moore, of Wytham Street, said: "We need more housing and this route into Oxford will be improved by having this type of building as long as it is tastefully done and fits in - ones on Iffley Road look pretty good and have good landscaping and trees round them."
Dave Owen, of Northampton Road, Oxford, added: “As a local resident, I am pleased to see this bold and creative proposal for additional housing in the area.
"Anything that contributes to solving this issue and makes the area more attractive/desirable whilst using existing spaces can only be commended.
"We support the application but would like to draw attention to two areas of slight concern - traffic and flooding.
“It's extremely admirable that it's a car free development but slightly naive to believe that no residents will attempt to have a car given its location to the A34 and ring road.
"The existing businesses already create unnecessary traffic at the junction, which has always overspilled down the road in front of residents housing.”
The Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) also supports the scheme.
Planning officer Charlie Jacobs said: “OPT are in full support of the residential redevelopment of commercial sites to provide urgently needed housing within the city, and agree with the applicant that high quality sustainable design should be preferred when redeveloping sites.”
In the planning statement, it said: “We consider the redevelopment of 300 Abingdon Road as an excellent opportunity to provide high-quality contemporary architecture on a key arterial route into Oxford.
"The new buildings on this site can set a high standard for future development in the vicinity.
“The proposed redevelopment of the site offers many opportunities including to provide nine low energy dwellings and help Oxford meet its housing need and to re-purpose the site to a use more suitable for a predominantly residential area.”
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About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby
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