The Evenlode, also known as the Firehouse BBQ and Bar, in Old Witney Road, Eynsham, has submitted the application.

Its owners, Prospect Pubs and Bars Ltd, want to build six two-bed flats with seven new car parking spaces, a covered cycle store and an enclosed bin store.

A total of 12 car parking spaces would move to serve the pub.

So far no members of the public have submitted comments in support or objection to West Oxfordshire District Council.

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The scheme’s planning statement said: “The Evenlode was built as a road house in the 1930s and run by H and G Symonds Ltd, a Reading based brewery, but since the 1960s has been owned by other companies, at one time operating as a Beefeater eatery.

“It is now privately owned and trades as a multi-functional public house or restaurant with guest visitor accommodation on its first floor.”

It added: “It is proposed to erect, in the south east corner of The Evenlode’s existing customer car park, a two storey block of 6×2 bedroom flats, with second floor accommodation in the roof space. The development would front and be accessed from Old Witney Road.

“A replacement car park for customers and staff of 12 spaces, for those lost by the development, would be provided adjacent to the A40 entrance to The Evenlode.

“It will provide six two-bedroom flats that will help make a contribution towards meeting identified local housing needs in a sustainable location.”

Thai Orchid’s building in Banbury has been listed by Christie Owen and Davies Limited for sale, with the business having around 14 years on its lease.

The listing for the North Bar Street establishment stated: “The property comprises an established and highly regarded Thai restaurant trading for nearly 30 years under the same ownership, now available due to the owner’s planned retirement.

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“The restaurant is well known for its authentic atmosphere, supported by exotic carved furnishings, opulent Thai décor, and a distinctive water feature, creating a memorable dining environment reflective of traditional Thai hospitality.

Thai Orchid Restaurant in Banbury (Image: Chrstie Owens & Davies)

“The business is arranged across several spacious dining rooms providing approximately 150 covers in total, complemented by a dedicated bar area and a substantial commercial kitchen designed for high‑volume service.”

The property is held on a free-of-tie lease with around 14 years remaining and an annual rent of £48,000.

Thai Orchid Restaurant in Banbury (Image: Chrstie Owens & Davies)

The business rates payable were around £6,000 in 2025 though the listing warns they may be subject to increase this year.

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Thai Orchard has a 4.5 star rating based on over 700 Google reviews.

The listing added: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a long‑established and highly regarded restaurant in one of North Oxfordshire’s strongest trading locations.

“The business enjoys a loyal customer base built over three decades, offering immediate goodwill for a Thai or Asian dining operator.”

Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K), delivered by Parents And Children Together (PACT), is now available in Oxfordshire for children aged three to 11 and their non-abusive parent or carer.

The programme offers a safe space for children to process their experiences, build emotional resilience and develop coping strategies through creative and therapeutic activities.

A parent who completed the course said: “Doing this Bounce Back course with my daughter is one of the best things I’ve done.

“I was unsure at first, as I didn’t want to admit it had affected my girls so much.

“But I am so happy I did it as it has opened my eyes and given me and my daughter the tools to move forward.”

Sessions include stories, games and guided discussions led by trained support workers, while parents and carers attend parallel group sessions focused on recovery and relationship-building.

Kathryn Warner, director of community services and development at PACT, said: “We know that there is a postcode lottery for families accessing recovery support following domestic abuse, so we are really pleased that we are now able to accept referrals for all families, with children aged 3 to 11, that live in Oxfordshire.”

In 2025, Thames Valley Police recorded 57,375 reports of domestic abuse crimes,  which equates to 157 crimes reported every day.

The BB4K programme is also available in Reading, West Berkshire and Wokingham.

More information about the programme is available at www.pactcharity.org/bb4k.