FOI release

EIR Request – Historical PRC and Refacing Works – 5B Upton Close, Oxford OX4 4NP

Case reference EIR2026/00066

Received 22 October 2026

Published 23 October 2026

Request

I am writing on behalf of Rentvest Limited, the leaseholder of 5B Upton Close, Oxford OX4 4NP. We have been investigating the history of the building, which is understood to be of Type 2 Cornish non-traditional construction. Oxford City Council has now concluded its investigation under reference EIR2026/01060 and has advised us to approach Oxford Direct Services regarding any additional records that may be held. The Council has confirmed that external rendering was installed in approximately 1996, associated with planning application 95/01284/GF, submitted in 1995. However, it has been unable to establish whether the works included structural PRC repairs or were limited to external refacing/rendering. I would be grateful if you could search any available current or archived records relating to 5B Upton Close and the wider block (5A–6B Upton Close), particularly records from approximately 1994–1998. We are especially interested in any available: - Original contracts, specifications or completion records for the external refurbishment. - Documentation confirming whether the original PRC structural elements were removed, repaired or retained. - PRC inspection reports, structural engineers' reports or certification. - Contractor details, photographs, works orders or project correspondence. - Historical maintenance records identifying the nature of the 1996 refurbishment. If Oxford Direct Services was not responsible for the original works but inherited any records from the Council or a predecessor contractor, I would appreciate confirmation of this. I am not asking for a new technical assessment, only for copies of existing records that may help establish what work was undertaken. The information is important for understanding the building's construction, future maintenance responsibilities and potential mortgageability. I would be grateful for any assistance you can provide.

Response

Thank you for your email dated 22nd October. Unfortunately, Oxford Direct Services does not hold the information you require as ODS Was formed in 2018. Before this date it would of been Oxford City Council and therefore ODS does not hold any information in relation to this request.

Documents

There are no documents for this release.

This is Oxford Direct Services' response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.