A meeting of Cherwell District Council's planning committee granted permission to change the use classes of the building, which is on Beaumont Road. FWP Matthews will initially use the premises for the storage and distribution of its flour, which it mills in Shipton-under-Wychwood. It may in future move some of its packaging activities to the site.
FWP Matthews is an independent miller of conventional and organic flour. The company mills spelt, rye and wheat and supplies flour in a variety of sizes from 1-kg to 27-tonne loads. In addition to its range of Cotswold flours, the company offers a range of premium French flours from Moul Bie.
The Shipton-under-Wychwood mill, which was built in 1912, was re-fitted with new equipment to increase production and efficiency. Capacity at the mill, which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is 6 tonnes per hour.
The new use of the building is expected to be quieter and less obtrusive than the activities of the current occupiers, a tool manufacturer. Under new occupation, the premises will be in use for fewer hours of the day than it is presently.
