PROPOSALS at a pub, church and school are among the latest planning applications to be submitted to Oxford City Council.

The Head of The River pub has put forward plans for a marquee in its beer garden, while the Church of St Aloysius is seeking to build a new baptistery and chapel.

Beer garden marquee: The Head of The River has applied to erect a marquee in its beer garden, having seen the positive impact such a thing can have on trade, during the coronavirus pandemic.

A design and access statement in support of the application states: “The free-standing building proposed will sit within its own setting on top of the existing hard paved area.

“The design is of a typical tent constructed with wooden poles and canvas covering, with clear sides.

“The structure will not be attached to any of the buildings, but be free-standing.

Oxford Mail: Drinkers at The Head of The River pub in Oxford. Picture: Stephanie JenkinsDrinkers at The Head of The River pub in Oxford. Picture: Stephanie Jenkins

“Over the last two and a half years (effectively since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic), it has been demonstrated that an external covered area in the hard-landscaped garden has been of considerable assistance in the running of the pub/hotel operation at The Head of The River all year round and in all weathers.

“The existing tent-like canopy outside the main pub building has been used during this time and has proven to be a big success both for the customers and its business.

“In relative terms however, the pub element of the overall operation is small, meaning that historically, during the winter months and wet days of summer, there is limited trading space for a business that has over 20 bedrooms and relies to a considerable extent on passing tourist and local trade.

“There can be no denying that the proposed exterior canopy is larger in footprint than the existing plastic canopy, but in both design terms and in its materials (canvas with clear sides to a wooden frame), it is much more appealing visually than the present structure and large umbrellas.”

Reference number: 22/01502/FUL

Church plans: The Church of St Aloysius in Woodstock Road has applied to build a new baptistery and chapel.

The buildings would be to the south of the existing church, which is both a Grade II listed building and also the largest Catholic church in Oxford.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application states: “The Oxford Oratory plays a big part in the local community.

“It serves as the parish church for central Oxford, and is the only Catholic Church in the city centre.

“It serves a wide community, and there are normally as many as 22 masses a week, as well as other services, attended by a large and diverse congregation.

“The works outlined in these proposals seek to enhance the role of the church in the community, and improve the use of the buildings to serve the community better, providing amenity for the Oratorian community.

“The chapel would fulfil the oratory church’s need for a mid-sized space, accommodating about 50 people, which would fill a gap between the large church which seats several hundred and the existing side chapels which only seat six to eight.

“This extension to the church is a once in a generation opportunity, and it provides a purpose-built space for an essential part of Oratorian liturgy.”

Reference number: 22/01950/FUL

School wall replacement: Private school d’Overbroeck’s has applied to build a replacement boundary wall and gate.

The independent school in Banbury Road accommodates more than 400 children, aged between 11 and 18.

The school admits boarders from aged 11 on several sites.

The Leckford Place site caters for pupils in years 7-11, and opened in 2004.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application states: “The boundary of the site to Leckford Place is marked by brick walls which are thought to date back to the late 19th century.

“A survey of the wall was carried out by the Ian Bridge Consultancy in 2018, when it was recommended that a 28m length of the wall, from the school’s boundary with the adjacent Gardeners Arms public house, is rebuilt.

“The school agrees that this work be carried out, and this application is for permission to do so.”

Reference number: 22/01800/FUL

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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk

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