Jericho Wharf plans set for approval

Plans for a mixed-use development along Jericho Wharf in Oxford look set to take an important step forward.The site has been derelict and vacant for a number of years and is considered to “contribute nothing to the environment” of which it is part.This has been the case since the plot was sold by British Waterways in 2005, and while various different redevelopment and regeneration proposals have been under consideration.In the intervening period, two planning applications for apartment-based schemes have been refused and subsequently turned down at appeal. A further proposal for terraced housing was approved in 2016.Lined up this time around are two dry docks and a wet dock boatyard, a community centre with Sport England-standard facilities, a café, a pre-school, a dance space, 14 townhouses and two apartments for open market sale and the conversion of the existing Jericho Community Trust building into six apartments for affordable provision.There would also be a new bridge to cross the canal adjacent to the Church Square.A planning statement submitted with the application notes that the proposals have been designed to “progress the positive redevelopment of the site”.The plans will go before Oxford City Council’s planning committee on 23 March with a recommendation for approval.