Major Oxford plans set for step forward

Outline plans for a mixed-use Oxfordshire development look set to be backed.Barwood Development Securities Limited and the Trustees of The Philip King Homes Trust are behind the application, which concerns land at Bicester Road in Kidlington.The site comprises a trio of arable fields across about 68.6 acres of space.The outline application is for the development of up to 370 homes, public open space, sports pitches and pavilion, drainage and engineering works, with all matters reserved except for vehicular and emergency accesses to Bicester Road.A Development Framework Plan sets out that there will be some 43.8 acres of green infrastructure within the site, which will include land for 9.88 acres of sports pitches.The applicant and agent have “sought to engage positively” with both Water Eaton Parish Council and Kidlington Parish Council throughout their promotion of the site, including during the progression of the Development Plan and also the period leading up to the application.It also “positively engaged” with Cherwell District Council and interested parties, who have been involved in production of the draft Development Brief for the site.A report drawn up ahead of Cherwell District Council’s planning committee meeting on 5 October noted that the proposals would “contribute to the council’s housing supply in the short term due to the size and duration of the project and as part of the Development Plan would support the delivery of the Development Plan and growth strategy”.”The proposals would create construction jobs and also support the local public house/restaurant nearby and shopping facilities and employment in Kidlington,” it added. “This is afforded very significant weight taking into account the scale of the proposed development.”The proposals would create the opportunity for affordable housing provision to meet Oxford’s unmet housing need. This attracts significant positive weight. The benefits of new recreational routes, play provision, sports pitches including improvements to Stratfield Break and new allotments should also be afforded significant positive weight.”The report did note that the proposals “would have a negative impact on the amenity to neighbouring residents particularly during the construction of development” but has recommended approval.