A NEW kitchen showroom is set to open next door to Oxfordshire's newest Co-op supermarket.

Bampton businessman Chris Rogers is hoping to open a local branch of national chain The Kitchen Depot in Kingston Bagpuize.

He has submitted a planning application to open his franchise behind what is currently the Hinds Head pub, soon to be a Co-op.

In his submission to Vale of White Horse District Council, he said the showroom would be a boon for the area.

He explained: "We strongly believe this venture will add to the local community in amenities and in employment.

"We believe that this will complement the new Co-op retail store granted permission and being built next door currently.

"We also believe that its new use as a kitchen showroom will mean less deliveries than it currently receives as a distribution centre.

"We intend to keep the parking spaces as they are currently.

"Kitchen showrooms are not high footfall and therefore the current parking is more than adequate."

Mr Rogers, who is a registered director of a company called Acer Kitchens, also told the planning officers that he had 'extensive experience in retail' and 'understood the industry, legal commitments and the responsibility to the community'.

He did not provide any more details of his business background.

The council is aiming to give Mr Rogers a decision by April 27.