Local Planning Application Updates

179 Kingston Road

Following approval of St John’s College’s proposal to build 5 flats on the site of the former Party Shop earlier this year, an application has been made for approval of the details required before demolition can start. These include a demolition method statement and a traffic management plan, as well as technical information.

The main contractor is Savvy Construction and the demolition contractor is HDR Group. Contact details will be shown on site.

The demolition work is scheduled to start with the erection of scaffolding on 29 September and to be completed by 21 November. There will then be a pause while further survey work is carried to finalise the structural design of the new building.

The traffic management plan will control movement of construction-related vehicles. Construction traffic will not be permitted to use St Bernard’s Road. The designated routes are shown on the map below, ie mainly both in and out via Leckford Road, with vehicles over 7.5T exiting via Walton Street/Beaumont Street. We have already pointed out that both are currently closed to vehicle traffic for indefinite periods.

Larger vehicles will be limited to the hours 9.30-3pm on Monday to Friday and 8.30-1pm on Saturdays.
A small section of the footway on St Bernard’s Road will be closed off to allow for the scaffolding.

The documents submitted for approval can be viewed on the City Council planning website using the reference 24/01309/CND.

The closing date for comments is Tuesday 2nd September 2025.

New Planning application for 106 Walton Street

There is a new planning application (ref: 25/01668/FUL) for the site on Walton Street which used to be occupied by Daisies and is now a coffee shop: number 106, on the south corner of Adelaide Street.

This application involves the demolition of stores at the rear of the shop, and of a garage along the south side of Adelaide Street. To replace them, permission is sought for a three-storey rear extension to create two one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom flats. The Victorian building facing Walton Street will be refurbished and its current use as a cafe with a flat above will be retained.

(Drawing of the proposed elevation along Adelaide Street)

The proposed development will be ‘car free’, except for one car parking space for the cafe, and there will be provision for 14 cycle spaces. The application also includes a sustainability strategy that includes the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps and the use of a highly-insulated building fabric.

A local architectural practice, Riach Architects, have prepared the proposals in consultation with the Oxford City Council planning officers. The architects state that the flats are 'aimed at young professionals and couples’, and that the design of the building aims to create a presence on Adelaide Street and an active frontage where none currently exists.

You can find full details of the proposals on the Oxford City Council Website at: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/planning-applications/view-comment-track-planning-applications

The deadline for comments is Wednesday 3rd September 2025.

Ferry Pool Leisure Centre Changing Room Refurbishment

Wet change area

• Work starts 19^th August and they aim to re-open on 10^th Oct

During this time, swim members and swim lesson superstars can use the Dry Change area instead. Just come ready with your towel or robe and flip-flops, and you are good to go!
To help make the transition easy, more hooks for robes and towels will be added along with handy shoe racks and storage boxes and more frequent cleaning to keep everything fresh and spotless.

Dry change area

• Work starts 13^th Oct with the re-opening date to be confirmed

During this phase, gym and group exercise users will be able to use the newly refreshed Wet Change area.

Ventilation system

• Work starts 15^th Sept and will be for a few weeks

This upgrading to the Air Handling Unit will bring fresher, cleaner air and a more eco-friendly centre

Interested in leading some health walks around Jericho?

The Council supports a series of health walks that take place across the City including one on a Thursday that starts from Jericho Health Centre. They are looking to recruit locals to help lead the walks. There is no requirement to volunteer every week and all training will be provided.

If you are interested, please email Claire Clayton, Physical Activity and Wellbeing Officer

WMRA notices

Thankyou to those who have already expressed an interest, but to remind you, we will be looking for new committee members at our AGM in the Autumn. Please email if you would be interested in getting involved or to get further information.

Our updated constitution is now available to see on our website here.

With best wishes
The WMRA Committee