AN APPLICATION has been submitted to convert a former car body shop in Witney into three houses and eight apartments.

Kernahan’s of Witney closed its body shop in Newland last July – along with the company’s High Street showroom – after more than 50 years in the town.

Owner Martin Kernahan told the Oxford Mail at the time that the showroom had become too expensive to operate.

The application, put in by Hurlingham Capital Ltd, will see three cottages and a striking new apartment building with a curved roof.

The roof is designed to maximise light to the apartments and avoid directly overlooking neighbouring properties.

Jayne Norris, director of Edgards Limited, agents for Hurlingham, said: “The redevelopment of the site will enable the replacement of redundant, unattractive and energy-inefficient buildings with energy-efficient homes of a traditional design on Newland and a modern innovative design to the rear, in a location which is within easy reach of shops, buses and services in Witney.

“Not only will the development bring a range of new homes to Witney, but local tradesmen and materials will also be used, helping the local economy and jobs within the area.”

If planning permission is granted by West Oxfordshire District Council , work will start on the buildings as soon as possible and take about 12 months.

Witney mayor Harry Eaglestone said: “A small development of houses like that is good for Witney. It will bring more people within the centre of Witney and move the trade people out to the edge of the town, and we need more housing.

“But at the same time, it is a shame that Kernahan’s has closed.”

Kernahan’s still runs a service department in Station Lane.

The company’s High Street showroom was demolished and replaced with three shops, seven houses and two flats earlier this year.