KICKBACK AT MUSEUM PLAN

The proposed development of the Mullin Motor Museum has prompted renewed outcry from residents in the local area

Abid to bring a motor museum to Oxfordshire has met with sti opposition from nearby residents.

Comments submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council – numbering some 284 at the time of writing – about the planned Mullin Automotive Museum in Enstone focus on the perceived likely increase in local tra€c, possible noise associated with the race track – even though the actual proposal only includes a driving track for exercising cars at a leisurely pace – and the impact that it will have on the surrounding countryside.

There are, however, 94 comments in support of the build, optimistically looking at the jobs and opportunities that it is set to bring to the local area, as well as the preservation of motoring heritage icons.

West Oxfordshire District Council gave the museum outline planning permission back in 2020, but the museum developers are now seeking detailed approvals for the site. The local authority said that it was unable to comment while the planning application was still live.

A spokesperson for the Mullin Automotive Museum said: ‘There is some considerable misunderstanding of our proposals, due to hearsay and rumours, which unfortunately have spread throughout the community. It is important to clarify that the current application for the Mullin Automotive Museum di ers very little from the scheme that was granted planning permission back in 2020.

‘The amendments include additional museum exhibition space, allowing us to maximise the benefits of our museum and the content that we can display. The land occupied by the holiday home development has been reduced, too. The use of the site and track remains unchanged from the approved scheme as does the museum height. We have sought to mitigate disruption where possible, for example: automated dusk-todawn blinds will be used on the top floor to prevent light disturbance at night; increased tra€c will be minimised by creating a robust travel plan, including a shuttle bus service, and supporting employees with sustainable options for commuting.

‘We believe that our scheme can provide significant value to the local community by creating new employment opportunities and o ering a new cultural attraction that can be visited and treasured for years to come. Furthermore, we are passionate about supporting those in the surrounding areas who are underprivileged by providing jobs through apprenticeships and training schemes.’

Jesse Billington

Mullin Museum has come up against strong objections from members of the local community – but there are still plenty in favour of it.