THIS isn't just planning permission – this is M&S planning permission.

Oxford's next Marks & Spencer store is coming soon after councillors approved the plans.

Vale of White Horse District Council's planning committee approved the new store for Seacourt Retail Park off the Botley Road on Wednesday.

The shop and car park will partly occupy the site of the former BP petrol station which closed in September.

The planning committee said that the development must begin within the next three years, but it is expected to be completed sooner than that.

The committee also told M&S that 'no development shall take place until full details of both hard and soft landscape works have been submitted to and approved in writing'.

The food and drink store will have a retail floor area of 1,264 sq m.

North Hinksey Parish Council had objected to the plan on the grounds the store could be a threat to new businesses in the West Way shops redevelopment, but planning officers recommended the scheme be approved.

Members of public can still see the full planning application on the Vale's website at whitehorsedc.gov.uk using reference number P16/V3227/FUL.

Marks & Spencer currently has three stores in Oxford – one on Queen Street, a 'Simply Food' store in Summertown and another at Oxford Retail Park, Cowley.