Oxford Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara
Until 2006 this Sikh group met at the Cheney Community Centre (left)
From 2006 to 2011 the Sikhs were based at 69 Cherwell Drive, Marston, but on 20 January 2009 they were refused retrospective planning permission for the temple after neighbours spoke of the problems caused by traffic and parking (07/01975/FUL)
They lost their appeal against this decision in March 2010, and on 17 May 2011 the North-East Area Committee resolved “to instruct officers to seek immediate compliance with the outstanding requirements to both enforcement notices”, namely that they should remove the extension on the back of this semi-detached house and cease to use it as a temple.
The Sikhs then moved to St Nicholas Primary School in Raymond Road, Marston.
Planning application 11/03101/FUL has now been submitted for change of Class A1 retail use to Class D1 place of worship at 295–301 London Road (formerly Sharp & Howse, near the corner of Northfield Road).
Each spring the group holds a colourful parade (Nagar Kirtan) to bring the message of Waheguroo to their local community. When they were based at Cheney Community Centre it used to pass along Gipsy Lane and St Clement’s to the Plain, returning via St Clement’s and Morrell Avenue:
Press reports
- Oxford Mail, 9 January 2012:
“Sikhs find a new home in the city” - Oxford Mail, 8 July 2011:
“Sikhs are searching for a place of prayer” - Report on Meridian News
- Oxford Mail, 20 May 2011:
“Neighbours pleased as council orders Sikhs to shut temple” - Oxford Mail, 10 March 2010:
“Sikhs lose fight to keep their temple in Cherwell Drive” - Oxford Mail, 27 July 2009:
“Sikhs appeal in temple site row” - Oxford Mail, 23 January 2009:
“Oxford Sikhs told to quit using 3-bed semi as a temple”
Guru Manyo Granth Sikh Centre
This is a breakaway group: see Oxford Mail of 2 July 2011 and 8 July 2011
