by Hywel Roberts

Radiohead-backed campaign to save Oxford music store successful

Plans to turn shop into restaurant rebuffed by council

 

Radiohead-backed campaign to save Oxford music store successful

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An independent music store in Oxford frequented by members of both Radiohead and Supergrass has survived plans by its owners Travelodge to turn it into a restaurant.

Professional Music Technology is on ground that now belongs to Travelodge, who are building a hotel on the site. Part of the plans for the hotel was to have a restaurant on the ground floor where the shop now stands. They applied to the council for permission but were promptly refused.

Several eminent Oxford musicians have been talking of their delight at the decision, which was strongly opposed by the music community. Talking to The Oxford Mail, Radiohead's Colin Greenwood said: "I love PMT. It is the first place I go to when I need to get anything. It is very down to earth. I have known those guys for a long time. It is a drop-in place to meet and chat. I still get my own gear and they can answer difficult technical questions about computers and synthesisers."

Former Supergrass singer Gaz Coombes also expressed his pleasure at the decision, tweeting "Congrats to all at @PmtOxford!Application to close down PMT music store in Oxford refused!! Decision unanimous! You lose, Travelodge!!"

Hopefully this will set a precedent for future such decisions, with reason triumphing over big corporations. 

 Below: Photos of Radiohead live in Manchester

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