WORK has begun on a new development in Cowley spearheaded by Grand Designs TV presenter Kevin McCloud, following months of delays.

The former Cowley Community Centre site in Barns Road, will be transformed into 40 flats and community rooms.

Work on the development began earlier this month after delays following a planning wrangle and problems agreeing building costs.

Despite concerns about parking in the area, local groups are said to be happy at the prospect of the new facility.

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Oxford city councillor David Henwood said: “I think there is controversy over the flats, because of the parking within the site.

“However, I think the smaller groups I have met – and there are many of these dotted around Cowley – don’t have a central location to meet. They are really quite pleased and happy that the building is going to go ahead to develop the community centre element of the project.”

The former community centre was closed down after being deemed unsafe.

Planning permission for the new scheme, which contains no parking provision, was initially refused by the council in June 2013 before being “called in” and subsequently approved.

The development is a joint venture between housing group GreenSquare and Mr McCloud’s company Hab Housing.

Both companies worked closely together during the public consultation, design and planning application processes but Hab Housing’s involvement will now end as construction has begun.

The development will also include a community garden and a roof garden for residents.

Homelessness charity Emmaus will relocate from Westlands Drive, Northway, to operate a furniture recycling store on the ground floor.

Mr Henwood said community groups had been meeting in members’ houses after being left without a facility for years.

He added: “It’s been very gracious of many people to have meetings in their living rooms but that doesn’t tend to bring new people in.”

Mr Henwood said he was still concerned about potential parking problems in the area as the site does not have space for home- owners’ cars.

He added: “If people in these small flats do have cars they are going to park them nearby and if this is an issue we are going to have to review it.”

County councillor John Sanders said he had offered residents the option of introducing a controlled parking zone in the area to combat any parking issues but understood why residents would not want to pay £50 for a permit.

He added: “I think there could be an issue for residents’ parking. It’s very bad now and I’m sure it would get worse.”

GreenSquare development manager Marita Ford said: “At Barns Road, we expect the new homes, community rooms and shop to be ready by November 2015.

“We’d like to thank local people in advance for their patience during the building works.”


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