Seven flats are to be built at the site of the former Hackett’s cafe restaurant in Witney's Wesley Walk.

Owner Maple Homes has received planning permission from West Oxfordshire District Council’s Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee to build two two-bed and five one-bed apartments on the site.

Director of Maple Homes Jay Somaiya said: “We are very pleased to have achieved planning consent for this disused site.

“Four of the units are duplex flats with study areas on the top floor and are ideally suited for working from home, and each unit benefits from plenty of natural light.

“We will also provide ample cycle storage for all the flats.”

The ground floor of the development will be retained as a retail or commercial unit.

Maple Homes originally applied to build eight flats by increasing the height of the building.

A West Oxfordshire District Council report raised concerns about the usability of the top floor.

The report stated: “The layout of the additional flats in the roof space results in very small units with minimal natural light and the sloping ceilings means that head height is restricted.”

This objection was overcome by the developers by removing the proposed two flats in the loft and adding mezzanine study areas to create a warehouse-style development.

All but one of the flats have dual aspect views.

The aim is to start construction in July.

Mr Somaiya continued: “This is a really exciting development, and is great for the local area.

"We are investing in the local economy by creating around 25 jobs from skilled labourers to interior designers.

"We are hoping to go for a warehouse-style feel for the development and are preserving as many of the existing features as possible.

"This involves exposed brickwork where possible and vaulted ceilings to the top floor flats, while providing modern luxuries to meet the demands of future residents."

He said the architect-designed building has previously won a design award and the company's aim was to create a unique development with plenty of character.

He said: "We have a history of providing high quality housing stock in the local area and hope that we are able to pay justice to this wonderful building."

He added: "We don’t envisage any major disruption to our neighbours but would like to thank everyone in advance for their co-operation.

"We are looking forward to a bright future both for residents, as well as the eventual new occupier of the retail unit."

Mr Somaiya added that his company has a a history of using local contractors and sourcing materials from within West Oxfordshire.

The Hackett’s cafe restaurant attracted controversy in 2020 when it was accused of paying staff late and not in full, owing employees ‘thousands’.

Former tenant Dave Hackett – owner of the restaurant chain who was leasing the space from Maple Homes but has now left – admitted to the Oxford Mail at the time that things had ‘gone too far’ and that he owed some staff ‘a lot of money’.