A new boutique hotel could be coming to the countryside near Bicester if plans are permitted. 

An applicant listed as Mr Pereire wants to use existing buildings at Merton Grounds Farm, in Langford Lane in Merton near Wendlebury, for a new house and the hotel with dining, administration and display space. 

The site was previously used for farming and the former farm buildings have been developed as a commercial presence with all the barn buildings on the site now having received approval for commercial uses.

These consist of businesses undertaking the specialist restoration and storage of classic and high-end vehicles which the application papers describe as "highly successful". 

Some years ago the house at Merton Grounds Farm was used as a bed and breakfast. This use lapsed under the present owners who did not have the time to run it. 

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Merton Grounds Farm plans (Image: Cherwell District Council) In the application's planning statement, it said: “Cherwell District Council seeks to increase the number of overnight stays and visitor numbers in the district there appears no ceiling to this in a planning sense. 

“It is important that there is variety in any business sphere and this proposal aims to provide a small boutique hotel facility taking on board the site’s countryside position to offer something different to the larger hotels which have been allowed by way of a Premier Inn, 300 room plus Bicester Heritage Hotel and Great Wolf.

"The niche for the site will be its smaller size and attractive grounds in a rural countryside setting, yet close to amenities.”

It added: “The proposal is to re-use some of the existing dwelling for a five-bedroom boutique hotel. This would make suitable use of the existing large dwelling.

"The accommodation would be available for people to stay when their specialist vehicles are being cared for in the adjacent businesses and would also serve part of the wider tourism market for people wishing to stay near Bicester but in a countryside location but with the convenience of being right next to Bicester. 

“The remainder of the existing dwelling would continue to function as a private dwelling which would be occupied by the proprietor. 

“A dining room would be accommodated in the adjacent former stable south of the main house alongside the already authorised office space and meeting rooms that serve the existing businesses. 

“Alongside the hotel bedrooms this space would also serve the adjacent business use and car enthusiasts who occasionally visit the site.

"It would therefore have a strong synergy with the uses already permitted at the site.

"There would not need to be any new construction as the development would be wholly accommodated in existing buildings.”

No comments in support or objection have been submitted to Cherwell District Council by members of the pubic so far. 

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby