Planning application filed to convert home into coffee shop

A planning application has been filed to Cherwell District Council requesting approval of the conversion of The Old Poolhouse into a coffee shop in Launton. The application states that "Having successfully operated within The Launton Arms for six months on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, The Village Coffee Shop is forced to relocate due to the closure of the pub."

The project claims to plan to repurpose the existing, vacant house and make it available as a community asset that will host skill-building workshops and offering free retail space for local small businesses.

As part of its community consultation, an online petition site has already obtained over 300 signatures in support of the move: https://www.change.org/p/support-the-new-home-of-the-village-coffee-shop-launton

A popular footpath linking Launton to Bicester runs directly past the building, often used by dog walkers and part of a circular walk around the village.

There were multiple comments added to the application including positive feedback from a local user of the cafe when it was open: "Lovely ladies and amazing atmosphere. Really miss going to knit and natter group every week. Being a single mum it's lovely to go and chat with similar friends that have the same interests.

Keeping everything crossed that this wonderful cafe can come back"