PLANS to turn a pub in Lye Valley into a shop have angered residents.

The Corner House Pub, in Hollow Way, could be converted into a convenience store if Oxford City Council grants permission for owner NewRiver Retail to change its use.

The retail investor, which is also behind plans to overhaul Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley, has asked the council if it can turn the pub near Wood Farm into a shop without needing planning permission.

Chairman of the Lye Valley Residents’ Association Jack McCaigue said there had been a number of pubs closed in the area, and that the Corner House should not be the next.

The 64 year old, who has lived in Lye Valley for more than 30 years, set up the community group three years ago.

The retired IT technician added: “When the Lye Valley Association started we held meetings in the Fairview pub to show our support and give our local some more trade.

“However, when it closed, we moved to the Corner House, again supporting local meeting places. But alas it seems like we are running out of places to meet.’’ Mr McCaigue added the community “does not need” another shop and that the Corner House currently has no parking facilities.

Lye Valley resident and Bullingdon Community Centre secretary Richard Bryant told the Oxford Mail: “I feel quite strongly that we should not lose the pub.”

Mr Bryant added: “Although I only occasionally use it, I know that a lot of people like to meet and socialise there. But it is part of a trend in this area. It’s the last pub in the Lye Valley and Wood Farm area.”

Mr Bryant, who plans to write to the city council outlining the concerns, said: “I will argue that there are no social facilities or places people can meet and have a chat. Wood Farm and Lye Valley are big areas and they need more facilities.”

Oxfordshire county councillor Liz Brighouse said there is no justification for a change of use.

She said: “We don’t need more shops. There are already shops in the area.

“The pub is popular because it’s the only one in the area. It’s a good place for people in the community to meet.”

The city council aims to make a decision on the future of the pub by October 16.

The landlord of the Corner House directed requests for comment to NewRiver Retail, and spokesman Martin Hughes said: “This is not a planning application, but an application which seeks to confirm the lawful position in relation to the possible change of use of the pub.”

The company would not comment on what its specific plans were.