Developer Bloombridge queries amount of money it will give to Bicester

The business hub, dubbed Bicester Gateway, would be off the A41 on Wendlebury Road close to Bicester Park and Ride.

Featuring 273 flats, a gym, cafe and games area, it was approved in July subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

Developer Bloombridge however does not agree with some of the terms that the council has set out.

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The council wants the developer to contribute towards the expansion of Whitelands Farm Sports Ground and/or improvements to the sports facilities at Alchester Academy based upon a per unit contribution of £922.81 per one-bed flat and £1,333.75 per two-bed flat.

Bloombridge however feels its own sports provision, such as a running track, offset the requirement for any contribution towards outdoor sport facilities in the town.

But officers say there is likely to be demand from residents of the development to access formal outdoor sport facilities and so the contribution remains.

Similarly the developer would rather contribute to the new David Lloyd Health Club set to be built very close to the site, instead of giving £429.21 per one-bed flat and £620.34 per two-bed flat to Bicester Leisure Centre.

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But officers say the contribution remains because they do not consider an arrangement with a private gym as 'suitable'. If a gym no less than 27m2 is provided on-site then a reduced contribution would be payable.

The council would like Bloombridge to give £505 per one-bed flat and £720 per two-bed flat to existing expansion plans for additional primary health care facilities in Bicester.

The developer however does not agree and has queried the need for more health care infrastructure. It would rather make a general contribution of £100,000.

The Cherwell planning committee will decide on the terms of the Section 106 agreement today.