Nisa Local, which first opened in Botley Road in November, can now be extended after a Planning Inspector overturned Oxford City Council’s rejection.

The proposal is for a steel security shutter and a single-storey rear extension, which would provide more space for new services such as an Evri and two more Cook frozen meal freezers.

The Costa Coffee self-service machine is hoped to be on the front of the shop and will provide more floor space for Bake & Bite and the Oxford-based Natural Bread Company.

Oxford City Council refused permission in March arguing the extension would harm the character and appearance of the property.

Aejal Patel, Nisa manager (Image: Ben Hardy)

However, planning inspector Alexander O’Doherty concluded the impact on the wider area would be limited because the extension would be largely hidden at the rear from public view.

In his decision issued on July 23, the inspector acknowledged that the extension would have some harmful effect on the appearance of the building itself, but said the benefits outweighed that harm.

The inspector noted the shop is “clearly lacking in storage space” and said the additional floor area would help it better serve local residents.

The decision also referenced numerous representations from supporters, with the inspector saying these lent “considerable credence” to the benefits of the scheme.

He added that providing these services within a residential area would encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport by reducing the need for residents to travel elsewhere by car.

Grumpys Sweet Shop in Fettiplace Road, which operated as a cafe and collectibles shop until it became a sweet shop in 2023, has announced it will close by the end of August.

A statement from the team behind the shop said the ‘difficult decision’ was taken with a ‘heavy heart’.

The final day trading would be Friday, August 28.

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The statement said: “This hasn’t been a decision we’ve taken lightly.

“Like so many families and small businesses, we’ve felt the impact of the rising cost of living, and the increasing costs of running a business have made things more challenging than ever.

Sweets (stock photo) (Image: Timm Bursch / Unsplash)

“On top of that, our current lease has came to an end.

“Renewing it would mean committing to another seven years, and after a great deal of thought, we’ve decided that this is the right time for us to close this chapter.

“While we’re incredibly sad to say goodbye, we’d love to see as many of you as possible before we close.

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“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making Grumpy’s Sweet Shop so much more than just a business.

“You turned it into a place filled with smiles, laughter, and wonderful memories that we’ll treasure forever.”

The owners added that ‘everything you see in the shop’ is now for sale, and offers will be considered for all fittings and displays.