A BOARDED-up old showroom is set to be pulled down and replaced with offices and new homes.

The Harpers of Cowley building in Garsington Road, opposite the Mini plant, has stood empty since 2016 after a motorcycle showroom and repair shop closed down.

Plans have now been revealed to demolish the two-storey shop and neighbouring MOT test centre, bungalow and garage.

The Wheeler family who has owned the site for more than 50 years are behind the latest development plan to replace the 'disused and dilapidated' buildings with nine two bed flats and 433 square metres of office space.

Site owner Janine Wheeler said: "The site has been family owned for well over 50 years. The motorcycle business was being run by another member of my family.

"Sadly, the business closed in 2016 after a long trading history in the area, the premises also needed considerable investment to bring it up to the latest standards."

A planning application for the redevelopment was submitted to Oxford City Council last month and the Wheelers are now awaiting a decision.

In pre-application advice, the council insisted any new development retained some commercial use, in keeping with the rest of the local area.

The offices will be built separate to the flats over three floors and will be for B1 - business use.

They will come will 11 parking spaces for workers to use, shared with residents who will use them out-of-office hours.

The flats will each be around 80m2 and come with two bedrooms, a bathroom and kitchen/dining area.

Mrs Wheeler said she was planning for the site to be marketed later this year.

She added: "An application was submitted to develop the site following pre-application advice from the local authority who favoured a mix of commercial and residential development in keeping with the surrounding area.

"The new development should substantially improve the street scene and bring new opportunities for businesses and the local community alike.

"It is hoped the site will be marketed later this year with the benefit of planning permission for those looking to invest in the area.

"In the meantime interested parties should contact Savills on 01865 269066."

A consultation on the future of the site is now open until October 18. To comment search the planning register using the reference 18/02401/OUT.