Mehdi Mohajeri applied for a Kumon centre in Banbury’s Castle Quay, in a unit which was previously occupied by Thornton’s.
The application was permitted by Cherwell District Council’s planning committee on Thursday, November 7.
It was before the committee because the council owns the shopping centre.
No public comments have been submitted in support or objection, but the Banbury Civic Society raised a clarification.
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They said: “Will this be basic life skills ( i.e.. the three Rs plus social skills to provide a greater ability to contribute to the community; preparation ‘A’ level exams, or religious education)?
“What will be the vehicular and foot traffic implications?
“The society is not adverse to commercial premises being converted to residential use, but are ambivalent about the loss of a shopping unit for non-commercial purposes.”
In the planning officers’ report, it said: “The site was last used as a retail unit and has been vacant for a prolonged period of time. The site is within a predominantly commercial area for the shopping centre.
“The proposal is for the unit to operate as a Kumon centre which provides English and Maths tuition for children from as young as two years old up to teenagers. The focus is on key study skills such as independent learning, time management plus building character and resilience.
“The proposal would require the use of the ground floor area only, would serve between 40-50 students per day and would employ between six and eight staff.”
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About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby