Plans in for near 300-home Oxford affordable scheme

Plans for a new district centre include 210 new homes, 83% of which will be for rent and 17% shared ownershipCatalyst housing association and Oxford City Council have submitted plans to build affordable homes, shops, and new community facilities in the heart of Blackbird Leys.The planning application contains detailed plans for 29 rented and shared ownership homes across two sites, the district centre and Knights Road. It also contains outline plans for a new community centre and community square.Oxford City Council is working with the community to develop the detailed designs for the new community centre, which will be energy efficient and adaptable to support a wider range of community uses.The submission of the planning application is a big step forward. However, given the huge rises in construction costs there are still financial challenges to resolve to bring the scheme forward. Catalyst will continue to work through these while the planning application is being considered.Catalyst and Oxford City Council aim to start work on the first phase of the development late this year. Consultation on future phases of the development is likely to take place in 2024.