THE former headquarters of Oxfam in Summertown could be turned into homes.

Helix Property Advisors has applied for planning permission to turn Barclay House in Banbury Road from offices into 16 flats.

The first and second floors of the building is currently used by Holiday Lettings and it is to these offices that the application applies.

A branch of M&S is based in the building’s ground floor.

In a statement to Oxford City Council with its planning application, Helix Property Advisors, said: “The ground floor will remain in retail use and the exterior of the building will remain as it is.

“The proposed residential units would be of high quality, well laid out and provide ample daylight and sunlight.”

Until recently the building was used by Holiday Lettings Ltd, a company with around 100 employees which advertises privately owned holiday cottages around the world. Holiday Lettings, a subsidiary of Trip Advisor, is now based at Oxford Science Park.

Oxfam moved its headquarters and 700 staff to its current building in Cowley in 2005. Before the move the charity was operating out of nine buildings scattered across Summertown, and the move to the purpose-built home on Oxford Business Park brought together its staff and volunteers in one building for the first time.

A decision on the planning application will be made by city council planning officers at a date to be fixed.


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