Planning application P23/V0469/LB involves alterations and change of use to create a mixed development comprising a retail unit and 9 flats.

This involves 22 Stert Street, part of which is a listed building. Previously, this was used for retail on the ground floor and residential on the upper floors. The retail area, which is declining, would get a revamp as a consequence.

It also involves 20 Queen Street, previously used by a butcher on the ground floor, and a fitness studio upstairs. So this is the change of use. The undercroft used by the butcher for their vans would be parking for the shop. But the rest of the accommodation would be car-free and bike only.

At the Abbey Fields housing development in North Abingdon, an information board shows some town facilities and their distance, including a 35-minute walk to Abingdon High Street and the River Thames.

Since my last visit Mobbs Row has appeared, named after Mobbs shoe shop.

The housing estate is divided into two large areas. One is being developed. The other has the infrastructure but no houses yet. There has been conjecture that the rate of progress will be slowed as housebuilding output is predicted to fall this year. That is because of rising mortgage rates, falling real wages and poor consumer confidence.

Some finished houses are for sale and ready to be moved into.

Building work also continues at the Kings Gate development.

On a previous visit, Hobby Green was fenced off, but now the green is visible. It is dedicated to former Mayor and Dunmore School teacher Pat Hobby.

There are three large yellow cranes on the  Abingdon School grounds. Contractors have demolished the Amey Theatre Conservatory and are using one crane to erect a new building known as Beech Court Pavilion alongside the Amey Theatre.

The other cranes are busy with other rebuild projects.

Abingdon School is set on extensive grounds in the centre of Abingdon and is conscious of being part of a larger community. Their Community Services web page at https://www.abingdon.org.uk/other-half/service-activities/the-role-of-community-service-at-abingdon/ explains more.

There has been a lot of activity at Old Abbey House, with tradespeople coming and going. The roof looks nearly complete, but it is difficult to tell how work is progressing inside and when the hotel will be open.

P.S. The planning application for widening the gate was the hotel at Cosenors House. I saw ‘hotel’ and did not double-check. Apologies