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Gypsy and Traveller site near Thame refused permission

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South Oxfordshire District Council decided the ‘intentional unauthorised development’ of a 12-pitch Traveller site on land south-west of London Road near Tetsworth is not allowed to remain.

A retrospective planning application for the work, which had already taken place on the site, was submitted to the council last September.

READ MORE: Oxford woman ‘inconsolable’ after alleged rape, jury hears

More than 120 objections were submitted to the council during the public consultation, with a further 24 submitted with a petition from Tetsworth Parish Council against its approval.

The ‘unauthorised’ development of the Gypsy and Traveller site near Tetsworth (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council)

Objections were also received from statutory consultees like the highway authority, flood authority, Environment Agency and Natural England and from several of the district council’s own departments.

Officers recommended the application be refused on the grounds of landscape, highways, flooding, contamination, noise and issues around biodiversity.

The application came after the district council had launched an enforcement investigation into the use of the land as a Gypsy and Traveller site without planning permission.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire pothole compensation payouts rise 545 per cent

This unauthorised development included the laying of hard standing, utility pipes and cables, the formation of an access road off the A40 and the use of the land as a residential caravan site.

A total of 12 mobile homes, 12 touring caravans and 12 utility rooms had been set up on the site, for use by 12 families.

Two previous applications for the same development were submitted and refused by the council in 2015 and 2018, and then considered at appeal over eight days at a public inquiry in 2019.

The planning inspector dismissed both appeals.





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Imma the Bakery in Henley among best bakeries in Britain

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Sharing the list, the publication said: “Across the country, small producers are reviving traditional techniques and turning everyday staples into something worth travelling for”.

It noted a recent rise in interest for bakeries, thanks to social media: “Pubs and alcohol consumption are on the decline, while bakery and coffee shop culture continue to soar.

“Social media is only fuelling the trend.”

A bakery in Oxfordshire, Imma the Bakery, has been highlighted as an “unexpected bakery with cheffy creations”, and it’s under a 40-minute drive from Oxford.

Why Oxfordshire bakery is among the best in Britain – what makes it so great

The bakery’s owner, Tona Erreguin, is said to bring “culinary flair and creativity” to the establishment, perhaps thanks to her past experience in running a restaurant in Mexico.

The Telegraph says: “The Van Alloys Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Henley isn’t the most glamorous destination, but this unusual location makes Imma even more of a revelation.

“Owner Tona Erreguin’s previous ventures include two philosophy PhDs and running a fine-dining restaurant in Mexico.

“Preferring the title “head chef” to “baker”, she brings culinary flair and creativity to Imma’s goods (the orange curd and meringue pastry, finished with a scalding-hot blast from an iron, is just one example of her anarchic food alchemy).

“But Imma also does the classics very well.

“Its Oxford Country Loaf, with a beautiful leafy illustration scored into its crust, was declared the best sourdough in the country at the Britain’s Best Loaf 2024 competition (Imma added three more gold medals to its haul the following year).

“Most Lycra-clad visitors swing by after a cycle ride and get their goods to go, but if you’re enjoying a slower morning, there are seats to perch on and coffee made from locally roasted beans.”

Customers say Imma the Bakery deserves the awards it gets

A customer described the bakery as deserving of the awards it has won, sharing on Google Reviews, where it has an almost-perfect 4.9 rating from 209 reviews: “Love the food, love the atmosphere, a baker’s dream to work in a place like that, I believe!

“The awards are so well deserved!”

Someone else asked the bakery to continue making the Oxford Country bread: “Best sourdough in the area, and probably in the UK.

“Excellent customer service and a perfect stop when you’re out walking the dog.

“One thing I love is that they’re constantly renewing their pastry selection changing things acording to the seasons and often using local ingredients, so there is always something new to try.

“But please, never stop making the Oxford country bread!”

Similarly, on Tripadvisor, customers have been impressed with what Imma the Bakery has to offer.

A customer shared what their experience was like around Christmas time: “Beautiful bakery set in an unusual location.

“The bread is to die for, and a perfect stop for pastries and coffee.

“Christmas was really fun with a tree decked in croissants and a general awesome Christmas spirit.

“Queues are usual but completely worth it.”

Someone else said: “So glad to have discovered this place on our doorstep.


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“The bread is honestly the best I have ever tasted and there is a huge selection of sweet and savoury pastries to choose from as well as toasties for lunch.

“The coffee is good and the staff are warm and chatty.

“I love watching the baking going on in the background.”

You can find the bakery at Unit 51, Van Alloys Industrial Estate, Busgrove Lane, Stoke Row, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5QW.

Have you bought anything from Imma the Bakery? Tell us your favourite items in the comments below.





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M40 speed camera: woman fined £415 for driving at 99mph

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Anissa Martins, of Crescent Road, Oxford, was caught on the motorway between junctions nine and 10, near Bicester, on September 6 last year.

According to the court record, the 50-year-old was exceeding the 70mph speed limit by driving at 99mph.

READ MORE: 20mph limits ‘not being enforced properly’ in Oxfordshire

The court record did not specify the type of vehicle she was driving at the time of the offence.

Martins pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court this month.

She was ordered to pay costs of £120, a victim surcharge of £166 and a fine of £415.

She was also handed six penalty points.





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Junior Oxfordshire football team launches kit fundraiser

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Witney Vikings Youth Football Club’s under 10 side is looking to raise £450 to replace worn-out equipment.

This includes a fresh set of footballs, pop-up goals for drills and small-sided games and new training equipment.

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A link to donate can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-under10s-take-their-game-outside

Mathew Clark, who organised the petition, said: “Witney Vikings Warriors U10s has been working incredibly hard throughout the winter in our indoor facility.

“As the weather warms up, we are desperate to get the kids outside onto the grass to enjoy the summer season.

“To make this transition, we need a bit of help.

“Our current equipment is showing its age; we do not have goals and to give these players the best experience.”

READ MORE: Courier suspended as Deliveroo investigates ‘kitten kidnap’ during delivery

The Witney Vikings Youth Football Club is described as a “family” of 46 men and women teams and groups, 750 players and 125 volunteers.

Last year it celebrated its 50th birthday and was named ‘Club of the Year’ at the 2025 Oxfordshire Grassroots Football Awards.

Mr Clark added that he was grateful for any donation that could be provided.

​He said: “Every donation, no matter how small, goes directly toward equipment that keeps these kids active, smiling, and developing their skills.

“Thank you for your support.”





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