Plans to convert shop rejected (From Witney Gazette)

Plans to convert shop rejected

12:10pm Thursday 9th August 2007 in Witney By David Horne

PLANNERS do not want to see another village shop go by the wayside.

They have refused permission for owner Bill Jones to convert Charlbury's News and Things shop and cafe, pictured, into residential use.

Mr Jones, who took over the Sheep Street shop 11 years ago, says trade has fallen dramatically since the opening of a larger Co-op store near the town's Spendlove centre car park two years ago.

Charlbury Town Council, Chamber of Trade, and conservation area committee objected to the change of use, and West Oxfordshire District Council's uplands planning sub-committee backed them, saying that other retail uses for the shop could be viable.

In the past year, Charlbury has lost its independent butchers as well as flower and gift shop, Pot et Fleur. The family greengrocers Goodgames also disappeared several years ago.