A major new business park could be built near a town's railway station. 

A planning application has been lodged for 10 commercial units and a car park to be built on land north of Grundon in Merton Street in Banbury. 

Applicant E5 Commercial (Higham Way) Ltd applied for the development, which is close to Banbury Railway Station. 

So far, no comments in support or objection have been submitted to Cherwell District Council. 

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Banbury business park site (Image: Cherwell District Council) In the scheme's planning statement, it said: “The site is a vacant plot of land allocated as part of a larger development surrounded by other commercial users and adjacent residential apartments and other dwellings. 

“The existing site is currently flat therefore there would be no major topographical challenges to the design proposal.

“The units have been designed as relatively low-slung units, with a height of 6.36m to the haunch internally, reducing to 5.3/5.5m to the rear of the unit, which compared to the surrounding context is in keeping and subservient.

“The overall development will fit comfortably on the site and provide access for vans, cars and larger vehicles with appropriate arrangements for vehicle turning.”

It added: “The proposed development will have minimal impact upon the surrounding area and is fully compliant with planning policy.

“The proposals will have no negative social impact but will have a positive employment benefit. The proposal has been carefully thought out and is considered appropriate. The layout is practical, and the external appearance is not inappropriate to the area.

“The scheme will provide much needed commercial space for startup and other small businesses in a well-established and populated industrial 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