REPAIRS to Oxford University Press' headquarters, a new accessible entrance to Christ Church Cathedral, and an art wall in Barton are some of the building projects in Oxford this week.

For details visit oxford.gov.uk/planning

AN 'art wall' could soon be built and painted in Barton.

The installation would take the form of wooden panels around a metal frame, placed on a grassy area next to the sandpit at Barton recreation ground.

The metal polls, which look similar to climbing frame, appear to be part of a kit that could be easily assembled.

Once installed, artists or members of the public would be able to paint it with a mural.

Planning documents show a photo of a similar art wall erected on Cowley Road in East Oxford decorated with a mural thanking the NHS for their work during the pandemic.

The planning application is made by Katy Cockram, a volunteer with the Barton Community Centre.

Planning reference: 21/00688/FUL

Oxford Open Doors 2019. Christ Church..

Oxford Open Doors 2019. Christ Church..

A new accessible passage through Christ Church Cathedral has been approved, allowing wheechair users and others a 'step-free' option through a part of the place of worship.

The entrance into the cathedral through a passageway called the Slype will see a 20th century window removed and replaced with a new door, and a ramp access placed on the floor.

According to a statement detailing the proposals, the works will include 're-levelling of the stone pavers in the Cathedral Garden to form a ramp, removal of the leaded light window and stone upstand and installation of a glazed door (behind the retained wrought-iron gate).'

Christ Church, the applicant, stresses that it will 'minimise impact' on the historic cathedral building, and will reuse old stone or match new stone where it needs to be replaced during construction.

Oxford City Council approved the works, imposing a series of conditions on the plans to make sure damage is not done to the cathedral.

Planning reference: 21/00470/FUL

5G masts on the roof of a Northway tower block will be allowed to go ahead without a detailed planning application.

Vodafone wants to install the masts on top of Plowman Tower to improve network connectivity in Oxford.

The communications company had applied for a special kind of planning permission called prior approval notice, which is a way of testing whether a full planning application is needed.

The city council has said it is not needed, and work can begin.

Planning reference: 21/00274/T56

The wall of Oxford University Press. Picture: Oxford City Council

The wall of Oxford University Press. Picture: Oxford City Council

Oxford University Press wants permission to clean the boundary wall of its headquarters on Great Clarendon Street.

The wall of 'K Wing' of the building is in 'generally poor condition' according to a letter explaining why the works need to be carried out.

The letter from building surveyor David Barrington added there was a need for 'priority remedial works to prevent injury from spalling stonework and further general deterioration'.

The stonework is reportedly suffering from damage due to pollution and plants growing within it.

Because the building is listed, special permission is required.

Planning reference: 21/00797/LBC

The owner of a Cowley Road house wants to make sure the building can legally be used as four flats.

The building at 309 Cowley Road is a home subdivided into four flats.

Mr M Faruq wants to make sure this use, which began more than four years before the application was made, is allowed under planning law.

Planning reference: 21/00806/CEU