17/01674/FUL

51 Cornmarket, Oxford OX1 3HA

12 September 2017

Change of use of basement from a nightclub (Sui Generis) to retail premises (use class A1)

Application 1674 confirms that :

“3.1.1 The existing nightclub is to be replaced with A1 retail space with access created from inside the current A1 unit to allow the space to be used as one retail shop. Change of use is required under the Use Classes Order of 1987 to ratify this change.”

OCS consider that the proposed change of use for the basement is not only contrary to the intentions of the City Council expressed in the current consultation on the Local Plan “Preferred Option 97 (Evening economy: cultural and social activities), but moreover affects an independently run music venue that has functioned in this location for some 45 years and provided an important venue for many local musicians and groups as well as those from further afield.

OCS recommend that the application for the change of use of the basement be rejected.