PLANNED new warehouses could bring 1,000 jobs to Banbury.

The development by the M40 will go ahead despite a last-minute decision to protect a former First World War munitions station, following a request from Banbury Civic Society.

Cherwell District Council approved the outline scheme, but this is subject to final consultation with English Heritage.

Peter Frampton, the planning consultant for the proposal, said he expected the council to approve it as it would have little impact on the relics.

Councillors were told the scheme could create 1,000 jobs and be open by 2014.

n TWO more businesses have moved to Somerville Court on the Banbury Business Park. Food firm Tugo which specialises in pizza and pasta products has outgrown if Banbury offices, while Orange Motor Finance has also swicthed from a base in the town centre.

Tugo managing director Lee Personius said: “We had outgrown our offices in Banbury and wanted a modern business park with car parking and access to M40. The modern two storey unit has allowed us to create a client area on the ground floor and offices upstairs.”

Jo Warman, finance director at Orange, added: “Somerville Court is a pleasant working environment and the offices are modern with plenty of natural light.”

Meeson Williams is the letting agent for the development.