The tree in the Old Gaol grounds is glowing.

I entered the riverside path from the Bridge Street entrance, and took a picture of Abingdon Bridge with the leaves of the tree round me.

I also took a picture of The Old Gaol Dental Surgery.

The Vale of White Horse District Council recently allowed the application for unit 5B to become a dental clinic rather than a restaurant.

Abingdon Town Council had recommend refusal. They said The original approval for the Old Gaol development was on the basis of a mixed use development including an A3 restaurant in Unit 5B. The mixed use is important to enable visitors continued access to this part of the Old Gaol site. 

A neighbour said the proposal is preferable to a restaurant. Would like to ensure adequate noise insulation.

Friends of Abingdon said the proposed change of use … raises privacy issues for patients …. Concerned that the proximity of Treatment Room 1 to the riverside path could result in pressure to close the Bridge Street entrance to the gardens.

P.S

In reply to newcomer’s comment, from Brian. I would like to add the photo above taken 24/07/2007 with the caption – ‘we had one, the developer removed it, the planners conditioned it to be replaced !!!’

The Tesco Garden Centre closed in September 2011 and has been boarded up for the last eight years.

There is now a planning application to turn in into an 86 bedroom hotel with associated parking, infrastructure and landscaping.

It will be located close to the Hilton Garden Hotel and Premier Inn just off the A34 Marcham Interchange, and within easy reach of Oxford, and Abingdon, and a number of important business and science parks.

The design is not going to win any architecture awards for Abingdon. Traffic and flooding could be issues.

There is a new website called northabingdon.co.uk/.

On it is the announcement of an exhibition at the Northcourt Centre on Thursday 28th February from 3:30pm – 8pm showing more detailed plans for the first 425 homes of the 900 that have got outline planning permission. The three ‘parcels’ are those nearest Tilsley Park.

The developers will probably be looking for feedback from the locals attending the exhibition before submitting their final plans.

The other thing this housing will help finance is the Lodge Hill Interchange, but those plans still need to be agreed with the Highway Agency. The 900 home development includes a mixed-use local centre, retirement apartments, care home, primary school and public open space.

Draft plans for improvements to the Abbey Buildings are on display in the checker. There are a series of options set out for early discussions.

The Friends of Abingdon, custodians of the buildings, are preparing for an application for Heritage Lottery Funding and will be looking to improve access, and the usefulness of the buildings for the next 50 years.

The Friends themselves are to split into two charities, one dedicated to looking after the Abbey Buildings,

and the other a Civic Society, with a more general interest in looking after the town of Abingdon.

The annual Heritage Open Day (8th September) will be a more low key affair this year. I am passing control to somebody else who will take the lead and is already planning for 2019. So for 2018 any buildings that wish to open will do. There will also be some walks. So it will be a more relaxed affair, not the usual themed event with leaflets.

Also in 2018 the Abingdon Area Archaeological and Historical Society are celebrating their 50th anniversary with an exhibition and some big events.