THE city council’s stance on shelving plans to redevelop Underhill Circus hasn’t changed – despite a murder investigation being launched in the area.
In February, Oxford City Council dropped the proposals to build 42 new homes, due to rising costs and a lack of funding.
Last month, Thames Valley Police (TVP) launched a murder investigation after 50-year-old Peter Crowley was found dead at an address in Brome Place.
Mr Crowley is reported to have been assaulted near the shops in Underhill Circus, the evening before he was found.
READ AGAIN: Plans for 42 new homes shelved by council
Since then, four people have been arrested and bailed in connection with police enquiries.
A TVP spokesperson said: “The investigation is ongoing and there are no significant updates at the moment.
“The two arrested on suspicion of murder are on bail until May 24 and the two arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender are bailed until June 8.”
In light of the murder investigation, a city council spokesperson said the local authority’s position on the redevelopment ‘remains as it was in February’.
The council’s community safety team reported that there are two CCTV cameras near the Barton Neighbourhood Centre and Underhill Circus.
READ MORE: Pair arrested in connection with Barton ‘murder’ probe released on bail
A review of the plans in February estimated a ‘£4.7 million funding gap that is not viable in the current climate’.
A council statement read at the time: “Underhill Circus would not be a priority for Homes England under the Affordable Homes Programme, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has refused a £2.8 million bid to the Levelling Up Fund for infrastructure investment.”
Read more from this author
This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
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