A food bank could move into a former brewery which closed down last year.

Wychwood Brewery occupied Units 9-12 on Eagle Industrial Estate in Witney until Carlsberg Marstons closed down the business in November 2023.

The units have been vacant since then "albeit they have been marketed" said a planning letter to the council.

The site comes with storage, a tasting room and tap room, plus the former brewery building which also comprised offices and a shop. Units 12A and 12B also formed part of the former brewery production area.

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JPPC chartered town planners who are seeking planning permission for a change of use to commercial, business and service uses said a local food bank has shown interest in becoming a tenant.

With 1,650 square foot of floor space, the food bank would not require it all, they add.

In their letter they say "the demand for local food banks appears to be increasing" quoting statistics from the Trussell Trust released in Spring that suggest a 94 per cent increase in food bank use over the past five years.

"Not only is there substantial demand for food parcels, there is also demand for other services which food banks may provide", including "opportunities for volunteering, some of them source second-hand clothing and blankets whilst others register with local councils to provide service as Warm Hubs", they say.

The units have eight off-road car parking spaces and there are a range of commercial and leisure businesses on the estate including fitness studios, a snooker club and a company specialising in signage.

West Oxfordshire District Council's economic development officer commented: "Either way if an employment site remains, or is adapted for community purposes, this would enhance the industrial site, and increase vibrancy."