A bookbinding firm plans to relocate and increase its workforce by 50 per cent after being given the go-ahead to demolish its cramped east Oxford factory.

Tony Tanner, owner of the bookbinding firm

On Wednesday, the Green Street Bindery - the only hardback bookbinder in Oxfordshire - was given permission by the city council to turn its plant in Green Street into six ground-floor workshops and six flats.

The company employs 14 people, but hopes to increase its workforce to about 20.

Owner Tony Tanner said he was delighted about getting planning consent as it meant he could now start looking for new premises where they firm could expand.

He said: "The plan is to increase staff by 50 per cent when we move as we will be able to operate shift work, which isn't practical in Green Street as it is a residential area. We also plan to retrain our young staff and install new equipment."

Mr Tanner took over Green Street Bindery in 1982, when all the bookbinding was done by hand. The company now uses machines.

Mr Tanner also owns a second bookbinding site, Alfred Maltby and Son Ltd, in St Michael's Street, which was established in 1834.

The city centre firm specialises in hand binding and book restoration.

Mr Tanner said he hoped to keep the Green Street business in the neighbourhood.

He added: "We want to be as close to Cowley as we can because a lot of our staff live in the area. We are looking forward to getting on and developing our business."

Chairman of the council's east area parliament, Craig Simmons, welcomed the plans, adding: "It is particularly exciting as it means traffic will be reduced in the process."