Oxford News
Oxford record shop may close as redevelopment plans lodged
Riverman Records has been successfully run by long-time record shop owner Andy Tucker in Walton Street, Oxford, since 2019.
But a planning application submitted by the landlords of the premises to Oxford City Council has revealed a proposal to turn the shop into a one-bedroom flat.
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Mr Tucker said the plans ‘didn’t come as shock’ as the building owner advised him that he was exploring the change due to new environmental standards for commercial properties coming into force.
The shop owner said: “I knew that change was on the horizon.
“The business has had to cope with a number of changes and challenges during its 20 year run, and I’ve always embraced those changes and risen to the challenges.
“This time is no different, and over the next year I’m sure a plan will come together to allow me to keep trading in some capacity. Watch this space.”
The current lease for the record shop in Walton Street expires in March 2027, and Mr Tucker said he will continue trading at least until then.
He added that when he signed the current lease, due to the changes in the environmental standards legislation, he “knew it would not be extended” beyond then.
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But there’s no bad blood with the landlord.
“We’ve always had an excellent relationship, he’s kept me informed of developments on the planning front, and I’ve liaised with the architect on details of the application, so that’s all good,” Mr Tucker said.
The plans for the four-storey, mid-terrace building, which is made up of the ground-floor shop with a basement used for storage and three flats above and behind the shop, propose adding a new ‘self-contained unit’ on the ground floor.
Its shop frontage and ‘oversized’ signage would be removed and a traditional single-door entrance would be reinstalled.
New metal stairs, ‘conservation-style’ cast iron railings and a light-well would be installed to provide access to the flat.
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The planning application said: “This proposal represents a highly sustainable, policy-compliant development that achieves two key objectives for Oxford City Council.
“It delivers a high-quality residential dwelling to help meet critical housing targets, and it significantly enhances the character and appearance of the Central Conservation Area by restoring a traditional architectural rhythm to Walton Street.”
Mr Tucker added that the future of the shop remains undecided while the planning application is considered by the council, though formal pre-application advice indicated the principle of turning the shop into residential accommodation is ‘acceptable’.
Riverman Records is one of just two independent record retailers in the city, along with Truck Store in Cowley, and trades mostly in more obscure, second-hand vinyl.
The binmen were doing their rounds in Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys on Wednesday morning, June 17, when flames came from the back.
At this stage, it’s not clear what was in the lorry to cause the fire, but the most common cause of bin lorry fires is from batteries and vapes thrown into regular household bins.
A spokesman from ODS said: “This morning, one of our recycling vehicles experienced a fire in Blackbird Leys after an item was incorrectly placed in the recycling bin.
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“Following advice from the fire brigade, the crew emptied the waste to prevent the fire from spreading.
“We’re pleased to confirm that no crew members were injured.
“Our highways team has now finished clearing the ejected waste, and our streets team is carrying out a litter pick and sweep to ensure the area is left clean and safe.
“At this stage, we are hopeful that collections in the Blackbird Leys ward will not be affected, as the team is working to adjust rounds so services can continue as normal.
“A big thank you to the crew and the Fire Brigade for their quick and professional response.
“Incidents like this highlight the importance of disposing of waste correctly to keep everyone safe.”
Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for further details from the fire service.
Ward councillor Linda Smith said: “I’m very relieved to hear no one was hurt.
“I don’t have any information as of yet about what caused the fire – but please do not place electrical items, vapes or batteries in your bin.”
Edward Reed will stand before retired detective chief constable Paul Mills during the panel hearing at Thames Valley Police Headquarters in Kidlington next month.
From Wednesday, July 15, he will defend allegations from various dates in 2023 about the “unwanted” use of sexualised language and behaviour toward and in the presence of female colleagues.
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During that time, Mr Reed was an officer based in Oxfordshire, prior to his resignation.
It is alleged that Former Police Constable Reed breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity and Discreditable Conduct.
The appropriate authority allege that if these allegations are proven, the conduct would amount to gross misconduct for which dismissal would be justified.
The 66-year-old broadcaster and journalist made the announcement during the final two episodes of the fifth series of Clarkson’s Farm, released on Wednesday.
He shared the news with co-stars Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland during a conversation at his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.
Mr Clarkson said: “I’ve got cancer.”
When Mr Cooper asked where the cancer was located, Mr Clarkson replied: “Where it is, is of no concern to anybody.
“I’ve known since May.”
He explained that the cancer was detected early following a medical in May and described it as “aggressive”.
Mr Clarkson said: “I was praying we could get the harvest done and then I could go and get some treatment, but it’s going to be slap bang in the middle.”
Later in the episode, he revealed he had surgery to remove 10 per cent of his prostate.
He also reflected on what has been a difficult year for his health, including a serious heart issue that required the fitting of two stents.
He said: “So we started the year and I had coronary heart disease and ended it with me with cancer.”
The series ends with footage of Mr Clarkson in a hospital bed as he undergoes treatment.
He told viewers: “Some of the treatment has gone awry, let’s say.
“I’m going to be here for a little while.
“I’m nil by mouth, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
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“What I wanted to say was if this is all successful, I’ll see you for season six, and if it isn’t, I won’t.
“Take care, everyone.”
Despite his diagnosis, Mr Clarkson continued working throughout 2025.
Production on the sixth series of Clarkson’s Farm is now expected to pause to allow time for his recovery.
What do you think of the latest Clarkson’s Farm series? Let us know in the comments
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