A LONG-standing Bicester firm has been told it can extend its site.

EP Barrus, whose products include garden machinery and marine engines, can build two industrial storage units, alter its service yard and create a new access off Launton Road, after plans were approved by Cherwell District Council.

The current access on to Granville Way will be blocked off and a new road built. Oxfordshire County Council’s highways department had raised concerns over the carriageway width, right turn facility and pedestrian safety. The plans were approved on the condition the road changes were agreed by the highways department.

Councillor David Hughes, said: “I would welcome this, it’s the sort of company we would like to retain in Bicester so we need to make sure they get the facilities they need.”

EP Barrus, which has been in Bicester since 1977, employs about 150 people. It had a second 100,000sq ft warehouse unit within Graven Hill, part of MoD Bicester, but was given notice to vacate by the end of last year.